The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Versus Intravenous Administration of a Nonnarcotic Analgesia Protocol Following Pediatric Craniosynostosis Corrections on Nausea and Vomiting Rates.
The authors' center uses a nonnarcotic postoperative regimen following craniosynostosis corrections. Despite opioid avoidance, the authors noted that some children still experienced nausea and vomiting following the oral administration of either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This study sought to evaluate whether intravenous administration of these medications might reduce nausea and vomiting rates. ⋯ The authors found a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting among children randomized to receive intravenous medications. In addition, the intravenous delivery of medications has the theoretical advantage of insuring an effective full dose delivery. Based on these findings, our standard process is to preferentially manage all children following craniosynostosis corrections with intravenous nonnarcotics.