"Enhanced recovery" is an alternate management protocol described by a multi-modal, evidence based approach to peri-operative care, with the goal of accelerating recovery and return to normal activity after surgery. Results have shown stable pain control with a decrease in narcotic consumption, a quicker return of bowel function, and decreased length of hospital stay and cost with no change in level of patient satisfaction, morbidity, or readmission rate. An aspect of some alternate management protocols is the administration of acetaminophen.
The concentration of acetaminophen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is directly proportional to the analgesic activity of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen relies on a high concentration gradient from the plasma to the CSF in order to passively diffuse into the central nervous system (CNS), its principal site of action. A 2012 study, comparing plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV), oral (PO), or rectal (PR) acetaminophen, concluded that IV administration of acetaminophen results in higher plasma and CSF concentration values. Therefore, IV acetaminophen produces better CNS penetration compared to PO or PR methods.
