Prophylactic intravenous administration of caffeine and recovery after ambulatory surgical procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether prophylactic intravenous administration of caffeine, to daily caffeine users, decreases the frequency of postoperative headache and shortens recovery time.


METHODS
The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind investigation with predetermined sample size and statistical power.


METHODS
After Mayo Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained, 300 adult ambulatory surgical patients were enrolled in this study, which included randomization to receive either placebo or caffeine (200 mg intravenously) in the postanesthesia care unit. While recuperating, patients were allowed their choice of postoperative beverages. Before dismissal, patients completed a questionnaire providing details about intake of caffeine and tobacco, history of headache, and demographic data. Patients were considered "at risk" for symptoms of caffeine withdrawal if they did not drink a caffeinated beverage after the surgical procedure.


RESULTS
Completed questionnaires were obtained from 234 patients. Patients at risk for symptoms of caffeine withdrawal were less likely to have a postoperative headache if they received caffeine intravenously rather than placebo-10% versus 23% (P < 0.05). Time until recovery was not significantly different between caffeine and placebo study groups.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that prophylactic intravenous administration of caffeine was beneficial for those patients at risk for symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. For patients who consume caffeinated beverages on a daily basis, we recommend prophylactic administration of caffeine on the day of an ambulatory surgical procedure and anesthesia.
Weber
J G
JG
Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
Klindworth
J T
JT
Arnold
J J
JJ
Danielson
D R
DR
Ereth
M H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003069:Coffee; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003069:Coffee; D002110:Caffeine