IV Acetaminophen for Postoperative Pain After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

The Impact of IV Acetaminophen on Postoperative Pain in Women Undergoing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether preoperative IV Acetaminophen reduces postoperative pain and narcotic consumption in women undergoing surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

This randomized controlled trial of IV Acetaminophen compared to placebo will evaluate the effect of preoperative IV Acetaminophen on postoperative pain scores and narcotic requirements in women undergoing surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. 204 women will randomly receive 1000 mg of IV Acetaminophen or saline preoperatively within 30 minutes of surgical incision. Subjects will be offered narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications as needed during the postoperative period. Visual analogue pain scales (VAS) will be obtained at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours postoperatively. Narcotic consumption will be recorded in morphine-equivalents. We hypothesize that women receiving IV Acetaminophen will have lower VAS scores and decreased narcotic requirements compared to controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women ≥ 18 years of age
• scheduled to undergo surgery for POP via a vaginal or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) route at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• women anticipated to have a hospital stay ≥24 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy/intolerance to acetaminophen
• hepatic dysfunction
• significant alcohol use - defined as patient reported consumption of more than 7 standard drinks per week and/or 3 drinks per day