POST-OPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED ON DISCHARGE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND GYNECOLOGICAL LAPAROSCOPY IN HAZARA DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Appropriate discharge medication is essential for adequate postoperative pain control and prevention of complications in day-care surgical procedures. This study evaluated the discharge medication practices of the Day Surgery Unit (DSU) for patients undergoing cholecystectomy and gynecological laparoscopy. Objective: To assess the frequency, duration, and types of analgesics prescribed, as well as the antibiotics and adjunct medications provided at discharge following surgical procedures. Methodology: A one-year observational study was conducted in which discharge prescriptions of 316 patients were reviewed. The study population included 286 patients who underwent cholecystectomy and 30 patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopy. Demographic characteristics, indications for surgery, and prescribed medications were analyzed. Results: Cholelithiasis was the most common indication for cholecystectomy, accounting for approximately 83% of cases. The mean age of cholecystectomy patients was 43 years, with a female predominance (63%). Diclofenac sodium was the most frequently prescribed postoperative analgesic following cholecystectomy (93 prescriptions under various brand names), followed by Nuberol Forte (44 prescriptions). Analgesics were commonly co-prescribed with cefixime (56 prescriptions) and omeprazole (93 prescriptions). Among patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy, paracetamol was the most commonly prescribed analgesic (20 prescriptions). Cefixime and metronidazole were prescribed to all 30 patients, while iron polymaltose and folic acid supplements were included in 26 prescriptions. Conclusion: Discharge medication practices in the DSU largely conform to recommended clinical guidelines, particularly regarding the use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen for postoperative pain management, indicating rational prescribing practices in day-care surgical settings.