Pre-Extubation Bupivacaine for Pain Control After Orthognathic Surgery

This study aims to evaluate whether injecting a long-acting local anesthetic (bupivacaine) at surgical sites before awakening from anesthesia can reduce pain and the need for opioid medications after orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery is a major procedure that can cause significant postoperative pain, often requiring opioid analgesics, which may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. In this randomized clinical study, patients undergoing jaw surgery received either standard care or additional bupivacaine infiltration before extubation. Pain levels and opioid consumption were measured during the first 48 hours after surgery. We hypothesized that pre-extubation bupivacaine infiltration would improve pain control and reduce opioid requirements.