Effect of Paracetamol on postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery under Desflurane anesthesia

Abstract Background Strabismus surgery, a common ophthalmic procedure, has been associated with a high incidence of emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children. The postoperative complications cause restless behaviors in children, which is requiring more nursing care and prolonged hospitalization. This study aimed to assess the effect of paracetamol on postoperative pain and delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery under desflurane anesthesia. Methods 80 children ASA I-II aged 5–12 were included in this randomized placebo-controlled trial. Children were randomly allocated into two groups to receive paracetamol (5–10 mg/kg) and normal saline as a placebo. The severity of pain after the surgery was recorded at 1 min after extubation and every 10 min up to 60 min after the operation by using the children's hospital of eastern Ontario (CHEOPS) pain scale and pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED). Results Our results revealed that pain severity was significantly decreased after paracetamol administration. Also, patients in the paracetamol group required less administration of fentanyl due to less pain compared to the placebo group. Conclusion In conclusion, the present study illustrated that paracetamol reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. Also, it diminished postoperative pain and the need for opioids.