In surgical procedures, when should NSAIDs be given for maximum effectiveness?

Administering NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) before surgery can maximize their effectiveness because they can help manage pain and reduce inflammation proactively. By taking them before the surgical procedure, patients can achieve better pain control during and after the operation, aligning with the principles of preventive analgesia.

When NSAIDs are given prior to surgery, they can establish therapeutic levels in the body that reduce postoperative pain and potentially decrease the reliance on opioids. This approach can help minimize side effects associated with opioid use, such as sedation and constipation.

In contrast, administering NSAIDs during surgery may not provide the same level of effectiveness since they are often not used as part of the active anesthesia protocol. Giving them postoperatively can still offer pain relief but may not prevent the perception of pain as effectively as preoperative administration. Lastly, using NSAIDs only in the case of complications is not optimal; proactive management of pain is preferred, rather than reactive treatment after problems arise.