Design and Implementation of the Study

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 30 views

Comparison of Paracetamol and Ketorolac Effects in Post-Surgical Pain Management after Cesarean Section with Regional Anesthesia Subarachnoid Block

Background

Understanding the Importance of Effective Pain Management in Post-Surgical Cesarean Section

Post-surgical pain in patients after cesarean section is a significant concern that requires proper management. If left unmanaged, it can have a negative impact on both the patient and the mother's ability to care for her baby. While opioids are commonly used to manage post-surgical pain, their use is often limited due to potential side effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, and pruritus. As an alternative, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, although they can cause side effects like increased bleeding time and gastrointestinal and kidney disorders. Given the risks associated with NSAIDs, paracetamol is an interesting choice due to its safety profile and minimal side effects, making it an effective option for managing post-surgical pain, both mild and severe.

Research Methods

Design and Implementation of the Study

This study employed a randomized clinical trial design with a controlled and double-blinded approach. A total of 50 patients with ASA 1-2 status, aged 20-30 years, undergoing cesarean section with subarachnoid block anesthesia were divided into two groups. Group I received paracetamol 1 gram every 6 hours, while Group II received 30 mg of ketorolac every 6 hours. Pain assessment was conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during rest and movement, and monitoring of side effects and additional analgesic needs was performed at specific hours after surgery.

Research Results

Comparing the Efficacy of Paracetamol and Ketorolac in Managing Post-Surgical Pain

The results showed that the VAS value in the rest position in both groups did not exhibit significant differences at certain hours after the operation, except in the 3rd, 9th, and 12th hours, where the difference became significant. Similarly, the VAS value when moving also showed the same results, with significant differences observed in the 3rd, 12th, and 18th hours. Although the administration of paracetamol can cause nausea, statistically, the difference in side effects between ketorolac and paracetamol was not significant. Both paracetamol and ketorolac required additional analgesics to achieve VAS 1-4 values, indicating that both cannot be used as single therapy to manage post-surgical pain.

Conclusion

Paracetamol as a Viable Alternative in Managing Post-Surgical Pain

Based on this study, paracetamol can be an effective alternative in managing post-surgical pain in cesarean section patients, with analgesic effects equivalent to ketorolac. However, it is essential to remember that both paracetamol and ketorolac are not sufficient as single therapy, and a combination approach is needed in post-surgical pain management for optimal results. The use of paracetamol as a safer choice with minimal side effects provides additional benefits, especially for post-surgical patients who require rapid and effective recovery in caring for their babies.

Implications for Medical Personnel

Thus, it is crucial for medical personnel to consider a safe and effective analgesic choice in the treatment of post-surgical pain, to support patient recovery and the quality of infant care. This study highlights the importance of exploring alternative analgesic options, such as paracetamol, to provide effective pain management while minimizing potential side effects.

Limitations and Future Directions

Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of paracetamol and ketorolac in managing post-surgical pain, there are several limitations that need to be addressed in future studies. These include the need for larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and the inclusion of other analgesic options to provide a more comprehensive understanding of post-surgical pain management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of paracetamol as a viable alternative in managing post-surgical pain in cesarean section patients. The results highlight the importance of considering a safe and effective analgesic choice in post-surgical pain management, and the need for further research to explore alternative analgesic options. By providing effective pain management, medical personnel can support patient recovery and the quality of infant care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paracetamol and Ketorolac in Post-Surgical Pain Management

Q1: What is the primary concern in managing post-surgical pain in cesarean section patients?

A1: The primary concern is to provide effective pain management while minimizing potential side effects, such as respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, and pruritus associated with opioid use, and increased bleeding time and gastrointestinal and kidney disorders associated with NSAID use.

Q2: What are the benefits of using paracetamol in post-surgical pain management?

A2: Paracetamol is considered a safe option with minimal side effects, making it an effective choice for managing post-surgical pain, both mild and severe. It is also a good alternative to opioids and NSAIDs, which can have significant side effects.

Q3: How does paracetamol compare to ketorolac in managing post-surgical pain?

A3: The study results showed that paracetamol and ketorolac have similar analgesic effects, with both providing significant pain relief in the 3rd, 9th, and 12th hours after surgery. However, both medications required additional analgesics to achieve VAS 1-4 values, indicating that they cannot be used as single therapy.

Q4: What are the potential side effects of paracetamol and ketorolac?

A4: While paracetamol is considered a safe option, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Ketorolac can cause gastrointestinal and kidney disorders, as well as increased bleeding time. Both medications can also cause additional side effects, such as dizziness and headache.

Q5: Can paracetamol and ketorolac be used as single therapy in post-surgical pain management?

A5: No, the study results showed that both paracetamol and ketorolac require additional analgesics to achieve VAS 1-4 values, indicating that they cannot be used as single therapy. A combination approach is needed in post-surgical pain management for optimal results.

Q6: What are the implications of this study for medical personnel?

A6: This study highlights the importance of considering a safe and effective analgesic choice in the treatment of post-surgical pain, to support patient recovery and the quality of infant care. Medical personnel should explore alternative analgesic options, such as paracetamol, to provide effective pain management while minimizing potential side effects.

Q7: What are the limitations of this study?

A7: The study had several limitations, including a small sample size, a short follow-up period, and the exclusion of other analgesic options. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of post-surgical pain management.

Q8: What are the future directions for research in post-surgical pain management?

A8: Future research should focus on exploring alternative analgesic options, such as paracetamol, and investigating the efficacy of combination therapy in post-surgical pain management. Additionally, studies should aim to address the limitations of this study and provide a more comprehensive understanding of post-surgical pain management.

Q9: How can patients and healthcare providers work together to achieve optimal pain management?

A9: Patients and healthcare providers should work together to establish clear communication and expectations regarding pain management. Patients should be educated about their pain management options and encouraged to report any concerns or side effects. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential side effects of analgesic medications and work with patients to develop a personalized pain management plan.

Q10: What are the key takeaways from this study?

A10: The key takeaways from this study are that paracetamol is a viable alternative in managing post-surgical pain, with analgesic effects equivalent to ketorolac. However, both medications require additional analgesics to achieve VAS 1-4 values, indicating that they cannot be used as single therapy. A combination approach is needed in post-surgical pain management for optimal results.