Multi-Modal Preemptive Analgesia With Pregabalin, Acetaminophen, Naproxen, and Dextromethorphan in Radical Neck Dissection Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Advancing Postoperative Pain Management in Oral Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

The goal of this review is to shed light on the management of orofacial discomfort after a cancer diagnosis in the head and neck region. A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on postoperative pain control in oral cancer. The review included open-access research, investigations into pain management, randomized clinical trials, retrospective studies, case-control studies, prospective studies, English-written studies, and full-text publications. Exclusion criteria included animal studies; in vitro studies; off-topic studies; reviews, case reports, letters, or comments; and non-English language. Three reviewers independently accessed databases and assigned a quality rating to the chosen articles. The review explores postoperative pain management in oral cancer patients; highlighting persistent opioid use; the efficacy of adjuvant drugs, such as gabapentin; and a multimodal approach. It emphasizes the need for personalized pain management, recognizing individual pain perception and tailoring interventions. Integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies is crucial for comprehensive pain management. The review also serves as a guide for future research, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and diverse participant populations.

Effect of Multimodal Preemptive Analgesia of Flurbiprofen Axetil, Nalbuphine, and Retrobulbar Block on Postoperative Pain and Enhanced Recovery in Patients Undergoing Oculoplastic Day Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of either flurbiprofen axetil or nalbuphine combined with retrobulbar block (RB) before surgery on postoperative pain control and enhanced recovery in day-care patients undergoing orbital implantation.

METHODS

A total of 45 patients undergoing orbital implantation with general anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups: flurbiprofen axetil (1 mg/kg) combined with RB (group F), nalbuphine (0.1 mg/kg) combined with RB (group N), and placebo as normal saline with RB (group C). The primary outcome was the average pain score (numeric rating scale: 0-10) within the first 24 hours. Other outcomes including the peak pain score, paracetamol requirement, quality of recovery (QoR)-15, and adverse effects (AEs) were assessed.

RESULTS

The average and peak pain scores within 24 hours after surgery in group F were significantly lower than in other groups ( p < 0.0167). Compared with group C, the NRS scores were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 hours in group F, and 2 hours in group N after surgery ( p < 0.0167), but without significant differences at other measured time points. The time to first paracetamol oral intake displayed a significant difference among the three groups ( p < 0.0167).

CONCLUSION

Preemptive use of flurbiprofen axetil 1 mg/kg combined with RB is an optimal choice for multimodal analgesia for day-care patients undergoing orbital implantation in terms of efficient acute pain control, without impeding patient-enhanced recovery.

Nonopioid perioperative analgesia in head and neck cancer surgery: A systematic review

Objective

Management of postoperative pain after head and neck cancer surgery is a complex issue, requiring a careful balance of analgesic properties and side effects. The objective of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety of multimodal analgesia (MMA) for these patients.

Methods

Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched for all comparative studies of patients receiving MMA (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, anticonvulsants, local anesthetics, and corticosteroids) for head and neck cancer surgeries. The primary outcome was additional postoperative opioid usage, and secondary outcomes included subjective pain scores, complications, adverse effects, and 30‐day outcomes.

Results

A total of five studies representing 592 patients (MMA, n = 275; non‐MMA, n = 317) met inclusion criteria. The most commonly used agents were gabapentin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen (n = 221), NSAIDs (n = 221), followed by corticosteroids (n = 35), dextromethorphan (n = 40), and local nerve block (n = 19). Four studies described a significant decrease in overall postoperative narcotic usage with two studies reporting a significant decrease in hospital time. Subjective pain scores widely varied with two studies reporting reduced pain at postoperative day 3. There were no differences in surgical outcomes, medical complications, adverse effects, or 30‐day mortality and readmission rates.

Conclusion

MMA is an increasingly popular strategy that may reduce dependence on opioids for the treatment of postoperative pain. A variety of regimens and protocols are available for providers to utilize in the appropriate head and neck cancer patient.

Management of postoperative pain after head and neck cancer surgery is a complex issue, requiring a careful balance of analgesia and undesired side effects.

Five studies (n = 592 patients) reported on the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants, local anesthetics, and corticosteroids.

Four studies described a significant decrease in overall postoperative narcotic usage though subjective pain scores widely varied.

Multimodal analgesia is a popular and effective strategy that may reduce dependence on opioids for the treatment of postoperative pain.

Postoperative pain: a review of emerging therapeutic options

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain is often managed by opioid medications, even though they carry a risk of adverse effects such as vomiting, constipation, sedation, respiratory depression and physical dependence. Furthermore, opioid use in the healthcare setting has likely contributed to the epidemic. However, the mismanagement of postoperative pain can result in delayed recovery time, impaired physical function, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, chronic pain, and higher healthcare costs.

AREAS COVERED

This review explores emerging therapeutic options and strategies in the management of acute postoperative pain and focuses on opioid-sparing, multimodal analgesia. This includes regional anesthetic techniques, non opioid pharmacotherapy, novel opioids and non-pharmacologic therapy. We have also discussed examples of novel analgesics and formulations which have potential benefits in reducing postoperative pain and opioid use after surgery.

EXPERT OPINION

The development of novel regional anesthesia techniques allows for opioid minimization in increasing number of surgical procedures. This synergizes with the availability of novel non-opioid analgesic adjucts. In addition, several novel opioid drugs have been developed which may be pathway selective and associated with less adverse effect than conventional opioids.

The Effect of Reducing the Fasting Time on Postoperative Pain in Orthopaedic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Patients undergoing orthopedics surgery experience the most severe postoperative pain. The fasting time is a factor that affects this complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fasting time reduction by using oral carbohydrate on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in orthopedic patients.

Materials and Methods

This randomized control trial was conducted between November 2017 and December 2018. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned into the intervention (which consumed 200 mL of the 12.50% carbohydrate, 2 h before the surgery) and the control group (which was fasted from midnight). Postoperative pain was measured by visual analog scale; the amount of the consumed analgesics was also recorded. The data were analyzed by using Chi-square and t-test.

Results

The mean (SD) of the pain scores in the control group immediately and 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after consciousness were 7.19 (2.64), 6.69 (2.17), 6.31 (2.05), 6.16 (2.08), 6.06 (2.24), and 5.38 (1.86), respectively. These scores for the intervention group were 7.44 (1.48), 6.31 (1.25), 5.72 (1.17), 5.59 (1.43), 5.25 (1.13), and 4.97 (1.57). The mean of the pain scores between two groups was not different (p > 0.05). The amount of the consumed morphine (t ₆₁= -2.10, p = 0.039), pethidine (t ₆₂= -2.25, p = 0.028), and diclofenac (t ₆₂= -2.51, p = 0.015) were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The pain intensity in the patients with shortened fasting time was lower, but it was not statistically significant. Moreover, reducing fasting time by using carbohydrate significantly reduced the use of analgesics.

Perioperative pain management and opioid-reduction in head and neck endocrine surgery: An American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section consensus statement

BACKGROUND

This American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) consensus statement focuses on evidence-based comprehensive pain management practices for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Overutilization of opioids for postoperative pain management is a major contributing factor to the opioid addiction epidemic however evidence-based guidelines for pain management after routine head and neck endocrine procedures are lacking.

METHODS

An expert panel was convened from the membership of the AHNS, its Endocrine Surgical Section, and ThyCa. An extensive literature review was performed, and recommendations addressing several pain management subtopics were constructed based on best available evidence. A modified Delphi survey was then utilized to evaluate group consensus of these statements.

CONCLUSIONS

This expert consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for effective postoperative pain management following head and neck endocrine procedures with a focus on limiting unnecessary use of opioid analgesics.

Preemptive Analgesia with a Second Dose of Pregabalin, Acetaminophen, Naproxen, and Dextromethorphan: A Comparative Clinical Trial in Major Surgeries

Background

Postoperative pain management can improve patients’ quality of life and decrease hospitalization rates. Preemptive analgesia may provide an effective approach for both pain control and opioid consumption decrease. A common approach for pain management after surgery is to relieve the pain that has already occurred.

Objectives

The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the preemptive analgesic effect of single-dose versus two-dose administration of pregabalin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and dextromethorphan (PAND) combination.

Methods

This study involved 60 patients who had undergone one surgery (including nephrectomy, cystectomy, prostatectomy, colectomy, Whipple, and RPLND). They were randomly divided into two groups: The first group received a single dose of PAND, while the other group received a second dose within 6 hours after discharge from recovery. Pain intensity was assessed by the Universal Pain Assessment Tool (UPAT) in both groups 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. The postoperative morphine dose in both groups was also recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

Mean pain scores were significantly different between the two groups at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of opioid consumption (P < 0.001). The total opioid consumption in the second group (with the second administration of PAND) was lower than the first group.

Conclusions

Preemptive analgesia with a second dose of PAND is an effective method for reducing pain and morphine consumption after surgery.

Cervical epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia for head and neck cancer surgery: A randomized study

Background and Aims:

The role of cervical epidural analgesia in head and neck cancer surgery is not fully explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate cervical epidural analgesia in terms of opioid and anesthetic requirements and stress response in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.

Material and Methods:

After institutional ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 30 patients undergoing elective head and neck cancer surgery were randomized into two groups: Group E (cervical epidural analgesia with general anesthesia), and group G (general anesthesia alone). In group E, an 18 gauge epidural catheter was placed at cervical (C) 6 – thoracic (T) 1 level. After test dose, a bolus of 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine was given followed by continuous infusion. Technique of general anesthesia and post-operative management was standardized in both the groups. Opioid and anesthetic drug requirement was observed. Blood glucose and serum cortisol levels were measured at baseline; post-incision and after surgery.

Results:

There was significant reduction in the requirement of morphine (P < 0.001), isoflurane (P = 0.004) and vecuronium (P = 0.001) in group E. Post-operative, blood glucose and serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced (P = 0.0153 and 0.0074, respectively). Early post-operative pain was reduced with the lesser requirement of post-operative morphine.

Conclusions:

The use of combined cervical epidural analgesia with general anesthesia reduces opioid, anesthetic drug requirement and stress response as compared to general anesthesia alone in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.

Preemptive Oral Acetaminophen for Women Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To decrease hospital expenses by administering oral acetaminophen rather than intravenous (IV) acetaminophen to women who undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy.

DESIGN

A quality improvement project using a between-groups, pre-/postimplementation design for women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Retrospective chart review was used to compare data of women who received intraoperative IV acetaminophen before implementation versus women who received oral acetaminophen after implementation. Pain scores and opioid consumption in morphine equivalents were recorded at four time points.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

A 369-bed hospital in the southeastern United States, where, in 2016, nearly $260,000 was spent on perioperative IV acetaminophen for all operating room cases.

PARTICIPANTS

Women between the ages of 18 and 55 years scheduled to have total laparoscopic hysterectomy were included. Excluded were women with a history of chronic pain, opioid use, or liver pathology; women with a contraindication to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and women whose procedures were converted from laparoscopic to open.

INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS

Women were instructed to take oral acetaminophen the day before surgery in divided doses, with 1 g every 6 hours, for a total dose of 3 g. On the day of surgery, women received the final 1-g dose of oral acetaminophen.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups for pain scores or total opioids received before implementation (mean = 3.28, standard deviation = 2.05) compared with after implementation (mean = 3.65, standard deviation = 1.63; t [18] = -.043, p = .674). The preimplementation cost per individual was $30.03 for 1 g of IV acetaminophen, and the postimplementation cost was $0.36 for 2 500-mg oral acetaminophen tablets, a 98.8% relative cost decrease per woman.

CONCLUSION

Replacing IV acetaminophen with preemptive oral acetaminophen has the potential to save money without compromising care.

Administering of pregabalin and acetaminophen on management of postoperative pain in patients with nasal polyposis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Management of postoperative pain is a common problem in endoscopic sinus surgery. The objective of this study is the evaluation of pregabalin and acetaminophen effects on the management of postoperative pain in patients with nasal polyposis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this clinical trial, double-blinded study, 70 patients with nasal polyposis who have indication of FESS were enrolled to this study. After operation, patients were divided randomly into pregabalin and acetaminophen therapy groups. The pregabalin group (n = 35) was treated under pregabalin 50 mg TDS and the acetaminophen group (n = 35) was treated under tablet acetaminophen 500 mg/6 h. Each group was administered for 3 d. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was measured in onset, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. All data were entered into SPSS software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and appropriate statistical tests were assessed to every relation.

RESULTS

In this study, there was no significant difference between two groups according to VAS in onset (p = .37); however, VAS in 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after operation was significantly lower in the pregabalin group compared with the acetaminophen group (p < .0001, for every four). Also in the pregabalin group, adverse effects were significantly lower than the acetaminophen group (p < .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregabalin has more effect, safely and usefully than acetaminophen on the management of postoperative pain in the patients with nasal polyposis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery.