Opioid Sparing Surgery
Dr. Geller's Pain Management Strategy
Opioids (a strong pain medication also known as Narcotics) can sometimes be overprescribed after surgical procedures. If unmonitored, this practice can lead to addiction and spread into the community. The statistics are staggering—about one in 20 patients prescribed opioids can become a chronic user.Opioids (a strong pain medication) are overprescribed after surgical procedures. This practice can lead to addiction and spread into the community. The statistics are staggering—about one in 20 patients prescribed opioids will become a chronic user.
Given the risks of opioid medication and addiction, Dr. Geller has implemented strategies to minimize the use of opioids after surgery. When possible, Dr. Geller typically prescribes a multi-modal pain medication regimen that combines many commonly used pain medications, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), as well as nutritional supplements and cryotherapy to minimize the need for opioids. If that isn't sufficient, for breakthrough pain, a small prescription for opioids is typically provided, but each regimen is specifically tailored for the patient's needs and medical history.
What Are the Benefits of Reducing Opioid Usage After Surgery?
The benefits of opioid sparing pain management include eliminating the risk of dependency and avoiding opioid side effects, such as nausea, constipation, sluggishness and dizziness. Patients who have been able to implement an opioid sparing strategy have been able to minimize or at times, fully eliminate opioid use after surgery, while reporting high satisfaction and pain control. In addition, patients didn't experience any increased postoperative complications.
These reports of patient satisfaction demonstrate the effectiveness of reducing—at times even eliminating—opioids after discharge from some of these surgical procedures. Talk to Dr. Geller further about your pain management plan.
