The Impact of IV Acetaminophen on Pain After Appendectomy for Perforated Appendicitis
Perforated Appendicitis
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Perforated Appendicitis focused on measuring appendicitis, pain, perforation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- All patients ages 2-17 years old undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy at CMH found to have perforated appendicitis.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Non-perforated appendicitis
- Normal appendix at the time of operation or other associated conditions causing abdominal pain
- Patients with history of chronic pain
- Known underlying liver disorders
- Known allergy to pain medication in protocol
- Non-English speaking
Sites / Locations
- Children's Mercy Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
IV tylenol
No IV tylenol
Post-operatively, all patients will be placed on a standard patient/nurse controlled analgesia (PCA) according to our pain service protocol which included ketorolac. A 3 hours after first dose of ketorolac, patients in the acetaminophen arm will then receive scheduled 10mg/kg of IV acetaminophen every 6hrs for a total of 3 days in between doses of ketorolac. PCA Pumps will be discontinued with the return of bowel function and transition to oral intake in all patients as per the current protocol. If a patient in the acetaminophen arm is transitioned off of PCA prior to 3 days, IV acetaminophen will be stopped at that time as well. Patients in the control group only may receive oral/rectal acetaminophen as needed for treatment of fevers.
Same as above without IV tylenol.