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The Efficacy of Preemptive Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Control: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Penprase Barbara,
Brunetto Elisa,
Dahmani Eman,
Forthoffer Jola Janaqi,
Kapoor Samantha
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2014.01.030
Subject(s) - medicine , gabapentin , analgesic , anesthesia , perioperative , acetaminophen , narcotic , postoperative pain , pain control , alternative medicine , pathology
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.