Title:Is Intraoperative Opioids Avoidance A Utopia? A Matched Study in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Author(s): Patrice Forget *, Marc De Kock, Linda Lovqvist and Fernande Lois
Affiliation:
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Epidemiology Group, University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian, department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen,United Kingdom
Keywords:
Opioid-free anaesthesia, cancer, urinary retention, pruritus, intraoperative opioids, remifentanil.
Abstract:
Background: Opioid-sparing strategies are recommended, and Opioid-Free Anaesthesia
(OFA) is proposed in the literature. But few data exist about the feasibility of OFA in the routine
practice. From a larger series of 21,463 patients receiving OFA, this work investigates the postoperative
pain and related outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Materials and Methods: This matched retrospective study concerned 521 patients scheduled for a
laparoscopic hysterectomy between 2010 and 2015 (118 receiving OFA and 403 receiving anaesthesia
with opioids, AO). Primary outcome was pain in the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).
Results: Among the 521 included patients, 403 received sufentanil (mean±SD: 0.1±0.05 mcg/kg),
the only synthetic opioid used to balance anaesthesia. Concerning the 118 patients receiving OFA,
most of them received an association of clonidine (97%) and ketamine (95%). Most of the patients
in both groups received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. No difference in pain scores was
observed between AO and OFA (median [IQR], respectively: 4 [0-5] vs. 4.5 [0-6], P=0.74). A difference
in the perioperative morphine equivalent use was observed (mean±SD: 0.18±0.06 mg/kg vs.
0.09±0.06 mg/kg, P<0.001). No difference was observed regarding the nausea/vomiting incidences,
use of anti-emetics, sedation scores, or time spent at the PACU.
Conclusion: Coming from an extensive daily practice, these data show that OFA is feasible and not
associated with higher pain scores or longer PACU stay, suggesting the absence of specific immediate
complications.
