Comparing IV and oral acetaminophen for pain management during spine surgery

Randomized Trial of IV Versus Oral Acetaminophen for Ambulatory Lumbar Discectomy or Single-level Decompression

Phase 3 Interventional Rothman Institute Orthopaedics · NCT04574778

This study is testing whether giving acetaminophen through an IV during spine surgery helps manage pain better than taking it by mouth before the surgery for patients having lumbar discectomy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRothman Institute Orthopaedics Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04574778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative intravenous (IV) acetaminophen compared to preoperative oral acetaminophen in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing ambulatory lumbar discectomy. The study will measure outcomes such as opioid usage, patient-reported pain scores, adverse effects related to opioids, and the time taken for recovery and discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit. By focusing on non-opioid analgesics, the trial seeks to enhance patient experience and improve discharge efficiency in same-day surgery settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old, weighing more than 50 kg, and classified as ASA physical status I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions unrelated to back pain or those who are opioid tolerant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies that reduce reliance on opioids after spine surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches to pain management using non-opioid analgesics, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than 18 years-old
* Weight greater than 50 kg body weight
* ASA physical status I-III
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight less than 50 kg
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* revision surgery
* Contraindications to the administration of acetaminophen (e.g. allergy, liver failure, etc)
* Chronic pain conditions unrelated to back pain
* Opioid tolerance ( defined as taking greater than oxycodone 20 mg daily for a week during the past month).

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain, PostoperativeSpine Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.