Preemptive analgesic effects of intravenous paracetamol in total abdominal hysterectomy

Abstract

Objectives: Paracetamol is primarily thought to be a cyclooxygenase inhibitor acting through the central nervous system. Indirect effects of paracetamol are through the serotoninergic system as a non-opioid analgesic. In this study, total abdominal hysterectomy patients were given intravenous (iv) paracetamol 1 g preoperatively or intraoperatively to assess its postoperative analgesic effects.

Methods: 90 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were enrolled into the study. Patients were randomized into three groups: in Group I, iv paracetamol 1 g was given 30 minutes prior to induction. In Group II, iv paracetamol 1 g was given prior to skin closure. Group III served as the control group and received saline as placebo. Postoperatively, all patients received morphine via patient-controlled analgesia pump. Postoperatively, rest and activity pain scores, sedation scores, hemodynamic parameters, postoperative morphine consumption, side effects, patient satisfaction, and total hospital stay were recorded.

Results: In the control group, at rest and movement pain scores and total morphine consumption via patient-controlled analgesia were higher than in Groups I and II. When Groups I and II were compared, total morphine consumption was much greater in Group II. Intravenous paracetamol intraoperatively and postoperatively did not result in any hemodynamic effects.

Conclusion: In total abdominal hysterectomy, preemptive iv paracetamol 1 g provided good quality postoperative analgesia, with decreased consumption of morphine and minimal side effects.