Effect of Intraoperative Paracetamol on Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

BACKGROUND: The insertion of urinary catheters during urinary surgical interventions may lead to catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of single-dose intravenous paracetamol on CRBD. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 64 patients (age >18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I-II) requiring urinary bladder catheterization for percutaneous nephrolithotomy were assigned to groups that received either intravenous paracetamol (15 mg/kg) (group P) or NaCl 0.9% solution (control group [group C]) 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Patients received patient-controlled analgesia (10-mg bolus of meperidine, without infusion, 20-minute lock out) postoperatively. CRBD and pain status were assessed at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively. Postoperative meperidine requirement and patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Group P had significantly lower CRBD scores at all time points except at 12 hours postoperatively compared with group C (P < 0.05). Total meperidine consumption was significantly higher in group C (P < 0.05). Patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were significantly higher in group P (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative single-dose paracetamol was found to be effective in reducing the severity of CRBD and pain in urologic surgery. We suggest that it may be an efficient, reliable, easy-to-apply drug for CRBD. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01652183.