Opioid Use in the Postoperative Arena: Global Reduction in Opioids After Surgery Through Enhanced Recovery and Gynecologic Surgery

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Mar;62(1):67-86. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000410.

Abstract

Enhanced recovery programs aim to reduce surgical stress to improve the patient perioperative experience. Through a combination of multimodal analgesia and maintaining a physiological state, postoperative recovery is improved. Many analgesic adjuncts are available that improve postoperative pain control and limit opioid analgesia requirements. Adjuncts are often used in combination, but different interventions may be incorporated for patient-specific and procedure-specific needs. Postoperative pain control can be optimized by continuing nonopioid adjuncts, and prescribing opioid analgesia to address breakthrough pain. Prescribing practices should balance optimizing pain relief, minimizing the risk of chronic pain, while limiting the potential for opioid misuse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Preoperative Care / methods*
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid