Opioid-free anesthesia in gastrointestinal surgery promotes gastrointestinal function recovery, enhances pain management, and reduces adverse reactions compared to opioid-based anesthesia.
Does opioid-free anesthesia improve recovery and reduce adverse events in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery?
Opioid-free anesthesia is a promising strategy in enhanced recovery after gastrointestinal surgery to reduce opioid-related adverse effects and promote early recovery.
The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol has been increasing implementation in gastrointestinal surgeries to optimize perioperative management, mitigate surgical stress responses, and accelerate patient recovery. Although opioid-based anesthesia effectively alleviates pain, it is associated with significant adverse effects, including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), respiratory depression, and intestinal paralysis, which can impeder early recovery. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is designed to alleviate these concerns. This article examines the pharmacological agents and regional block techniques commonly employed in OFA, emphasizing its role in promoting the recovery of gastrointestinal function, improving pain management, reducing adverse events, and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Xu et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Gastrointestinal surgery. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) vs. Opioid-based anesthesia was evaluated. Opioid-free anesthesia in gastrointestinal surgery promotes gastrointestinal function recovery, enhances pain management, and reduces adverse reactions compared to opioid-based anesthesia.