Evaluation of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Length of Stay in Abdominal Surgery Patients

Tyler C Madere; Jennifer B Mendez; Sarah T Nordmeyer; R Eric Heidel; Leslie A Hamilton

doi:10.1310/hpj5103-230

Evaluation of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Length of Stay in Abdominal Surgery Patients

Hosp Pharm. 2016 Mar;51(3):230-236. doi: 10.1310/hpj5103-230. Epub 2016 Mar 1.

Authors

Tyler C Madere¹, Jennifer B Mendez², Sarah T Nordmeyer³, R Eric Heidel⁴, Leslie A Hamilton⁵

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, Texas.
² Medication Use Specialist, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee.
³ Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee.
⁴ Office of Medical Education, Research and Development, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee.
⁵ University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of intravenous acetaminophen on length of stay (LOS) in abdominal surgery patients.

Methods: This retrospective, cohort chart review evaluated patients who underwent colon resection or pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 1, 2010 and August 31, 2013. The primary outcome is postoperative LOS. Secondary outcomes include opioid use, pain scores, and naloxone or laxative use. Patients who received intravenous acetaminophen were compared to patients who did not.

Results: A total of 329 patients were included, with 269 in the non-acetaminophen group compared to 60 patients in the acetaminophen group. There was no difference in postoperative LOS (9.2 s vs 9.1 days; P = .90). Postoperative LOS was also similar when controlling for surgery type. The acetaminophen group had reduced opioid consumption in the first 24 hours postoperatively (P = .02). However, pain scores were higher in the acetaminophen group, both in the first 24 hours (P = .007) and throughout the hospital stay (P < .001). Other clinical outcomes were similar between groups.

Conclusion: Intravenous acetaminophen was not associated with a decreased postoperative LOS at our institution.

Keywords: acetaminophen; analgesia; internal medicine; pain management; surgery.