One of the chief components of efficient ambulatory surgery is rapid patient recovery and discharge. One way to facilitate this effect is through avoiding the use of opioids in treating patients' post-operative pain. While it may not be practical or even possible to eliminate narcotics from your post-op pain management regimen, the perioperative use of such alternatives as regional anesthesia techniques, continuous local anesthesia infusion pumps and non-opioid intravenous analgesics (see "What's New in Non-Opioid IV Analgesics" on page 21) can go a long way toward reducing complications in PACU and sending patients home comfortably.
Registration now open for OR Excellence October 11-13, 2017 Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, NV.
Archive January 2012 XIII, No. 1
Can We Eliminate Narcotics?
The effective use of non-opioid alternatives can keep your patients more comfortable in PACU.
© Copyright Herrin Publishing Partners LP. REPRODUCTION OF THIS COPYRIGHTED CONTENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. We encourage LINKING to this content; view our linking policy here.
Advertisement
Other Articles That May Interest You
Are Anesthesia Opt-Outs Worth It?
Study sees less action in states where physicians don't supervise CRNAs.
Anesthesia Alert: Key Takeaways From the New OSA Guidelines
What the latest obstructive sleep apnea recommendations mean to you.
Handling Tough Anesthesia Cases
Obesity, sleep apnea and PONV are the enemies. Are your anesthetists ready to take them on?