Opioid-Sparing Perioperative Analgesia Within Enhanced Recovery Programs

Abstract

Opioid-based analgesia in the perioperative period can provide excellent pain control, but this approach exposes the patient to avoidable side effects and possible harm. Optimal analgesia, an approach that targets the fastest functional recovery with adequate pain control while minimizing side effects, can be achieved with opioid minimization. Many different options for nonopioid multimodal analgesia exist and have been shown to be efficacious, with certain modalities being more beneficial for specific surgeries. This review will present the evidence and practical tips for these management strategies.

Keywords: Analgesia; Intravenous; Multimodal; Nonopioid; Opioid; Opioid-sparing; Recovery; Side effects.