Analgesic side effects and minor surgery: which analgesic for minor and day-case surgery?
A retrospective study was carried out to determine analgesic requirements in a group of orthopaedic outpatients (n = 145) and oral surgery inpatients (n = 172). The orthopaedic patients received a codeine-paracetamol premedication, an opioid during operation, or no analgesic. Less than 50% of the orthopaedic patients in these groups required any postoperative analgesia. However, there was a high incidence of vomiting (40%) in those receiving an opioid during operation, associated with overnight admission in more than 50% of those who vomited. In the patients undergoing oral surgery, ibuprofen administered before operation significantly reduced analgesic requirement, without unwanted side effects. The use of codeine-paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent before body surface surgery appeared to be advantageous in reducing postoperative analgesic needs, without causing problems associated with the stronger opioids.
Campbell
W I
WI
Anaesthetic Department, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003061:Codeine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011292:Premedication; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D000700:Analgesics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000082:Acetaminophen; D003061:Codeine; D007052:Ibuprofen