Systemic adjunct analgesics for cesarean delivery: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Pain Management

Background:

• Postoperative pain management after cesarean delivery traditionally relies on opioids.
• Opioid use presents risks, including side effects and contribution to the ongoing opioid crisis.
• Alternative analgesic strategies are essential for safe and effective pain control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-opioid systemic analgesic adjuncts for cesarean delivery pain.
• To evaluate the efficacy and side effect profiles of these non-opioid options.
• To assess their potential to decrease opioid requirements post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of non-opioid systemic analgesics used in cesarean delivery.
• Analysis of studies focusing on efficacy, side effects, and opioid-sparing effects.
• Synthesis of current evidence on alternative pain management strategies.

Main Results:

• Non-opioid analgesics demonstrate varying degrees of efficacy in managing cesarean delivery pain.
• Common non-opioid options include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and specific adjuvant medications.
• These agents can contribute to reduced opioid consumption and associated adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Non-opioid systemic analgesics are valuable components of multimodal pain management after cesarean delivery.
• Optimizing non-opioid use can enhance patient recovery and mitigate risks associated with opioids.
• Further research into novel non-opioid combinations may improve postoperative analgesia.