Postoperative pain is the most common cause of delayed discharge following an anorectal surgery. Clinical studies suggest that both peripheral and central pain receptor sensitization contributes to postoperative pain. Therefore, preempting sensitization and blocking these receptors may prevent hyperalgesia leading to lower pain medication requirements.
In this regard, a recent double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial reported that preemptive analgesia is safe and reduce pain in the early postoperative period following anorectal surgery. The study evaluated the effectiveness of preemptive analgesia in decreasing postoperative pain in patients undergoing surgery for anal fissure, fistula or condyloma or hemorrhoids. A total of 61 patients (18 years and above) were randomized to receive preemptive analgesia (oral acetaminophen and gabapentin followed by intravenous ketamine and…
