title: The efficacy of preemptive analgesia for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of the literature.
abstract: The purpose of preemptive analgesia is to reduce postoperative pain, contributing to a more comfortable recovery period and reducing the need for narcotic pain control. The efficacy of preemptive analgesia remains controversial. This systematic review of the literature evaluated the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, and gabapentin as preemptive oral analgesics for surgical patients. Included articles were limited to studies of adult patients that compared the difference in postoperative pain between control and treatment groups. Of 40 studies reviewed, 14 met the inclusion criteria, including two on NSAIDs, four on COX-2 inhibitors, and eight on gabapentin. Research was predominantly conducted outside the United States. Gabapentin and COX-2 inhibitors were found to be the most effective preemptive analgesics for postoperative pain control. As part of a collaborative team, perioperative nurses and certified RN anesthetists are responsible for ongoing pain assessment and management for preemptive analgesic interventions.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Penprase
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brunetto
authors.forename: Eman
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dahmani
authors.forename: Jola Janaqi
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Forthoffer
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapoor
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin
keywords: COX-2 inhibitors; NSAIDs; cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors; gabapentin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; postoperative pain control; preemptive analgesia