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Updated: May 6, 2026
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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 28, 2010
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Postoperative Pain Management in Rhinoplasty: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Cherian Kurian Kandathil1, Emily A Spataro2, Mikhail Saltychev3
1Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Opioid and non-opioid pain medications show similar effectiveness for rhinoplasty pain control. This study found no significant difference in pain scores, with only increased itchiness reported with opioid use.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on non-opioid pain medication efficacy after rhinoplasty.
- Postoperative pain management is crucial for patient recovery and satisfaction following rhinoplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of opioid versus non-opioid medications for managing pain after rhinoplasty.
- To assess pain control using a visual analog scale (VAS) from postoperative days 0-5.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized controlled trial involved adult patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty.
- Participants received either acetaminophen-hydrocodone or acetaminophen-ibuprofen for five days, with tramadol for breakthrough pain.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mean VAS pain scores was observed between the opioid and non-opioid groups (p=0.156).
- Itchiness was reported more frequently in the group receiving acetaminophen-hydrocodone (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Opioid and non-opioid pain medications provide comparable pain relief after rhinoplasty.
- Non-opioid options may be preferred due to a lower incidence of side effects like itchiness.
