230 - Post-operative pain management medications for patients undergoing oral rehabilitation

Abstract:

Purpose: Postoperative pain and discomfort are frequently reported following oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia (ORGA) in pediatric patients. Although acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both commonly prescribed analgesics, there is limited consensus regarding the most effective dosing regimen to mitigate pain and discomfort. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of three oral analgesic regiments in reducing postoperative pain and discomfort in pediatric patients undergoing ORGA.

Methods: In this three-armed randomized clinical trial, seventy-five children aged 4-7 years (ASA I-II) requiring ORGA will be enrolled and randomized to one of three postoperative analgesic regimens for 24 hours. They are: (1) alternating acetaminophen (15 mg/kg) and ibuprofen (10 mg/kg) every 3 hours, (2) simultaneous administration of acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 6 hours, or (3) administration of ibuprofen alone every 6 hours. Caregivers completed a preoperative questionnaire to ensure eligibility. Immediate postoperative pain was assessed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) using the Facial expression, Legs movement, Activity, Crying, and Consolability (FLACC) scale. A modified version of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ-8) will be used to assess postoperative pain and discomfort via structured telephone follow-ups on the day of the surgery, and postoperative days 1, 2, and 14. Additional variable assessed included intraoperative procedures, medications administered intraoperatively, and adherence to regimens. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS.

Results: Participant recruitment and data collection is ongoing.

Conclusion: To be finalized after data collection is complete.

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