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Abstract
Most patients undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion in the U.S. receive ibuprofen and a paracervical block for pain control, with hydrocodone/acetaminophen (HC/APAP) increasingly added despite limited evidence of benefit. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of oral HC/APAP on pain perception during first-trimester surgical abortion. A total of 120 women were enrolled and assigned to receive either HC/APAP or placebo in addition to standard care. Pain scores were measured throughout the procedure to determine whether HC/APAP provided additional analgesia compared to placebo.