Comparing pain management outcomes: Pre-emptive intravenous Paracetamol versus Ibuprofen in pediatric cleft palate surgeries under General Anaesthesia - a single blinded randomised controlled trial

Postoperative pain management is a critical aspect of patient care in cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. Cleft palate repair surgery can be associated with significant postoperative pain, discomfort, and distress for the child, highlighting the necessity for adequate pain management strategies. Non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and gabapentinoids optimize pain relief while minimizing opioid use. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. Intravenous administration of ibuprofen allows for rapid onset of action, making it useful for managing acute pain in postoperative or perioperative settings. It can be particularly beneficial in multimodal pain management approaches. Healthcare providers use the CHIPPS score, or Children’s International Postoperative Pain Scale, to systematically evaluate and quantify postoperative pain in children, allowing for more effective pain management strategies to be implemented. The CHIPPS score evaluates pain intensity, behavior, and facial expression to provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in children.