top of page

Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia

Updated: 4 days ago


Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad, CRNA News
Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a type of anesthesia that does not use opioids to manage pain during surgery. Instead, it uses other medications and techniques to reduce pain and discomfort. The goal of OFA is to provide a safer alternative to traditional anesthesia that would provide benefits as well as enhance recovery after surgery. Traditional anesthesia, on the other hand, often relies on opioids to relieve pain. Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to manage pain but can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression. While opioids are effective in managing pain, they can also be addictive and lead to dependence. According to a study published in the Neurosurgical Focus journal, OFA within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for lumbar spinal decompression represents an opportunity to minimize perioperative opioid exposure without adversely affecting pain control or recovery. The study found that there was a significant reduction in total perioperative opioid consumption in patients who received OFA, compared to patients who received traditional opioid-containing anesthesia (OCA). There were no significant differences in worst postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) between OFA and OCA groups, respectively. However, there was a clinically significant decrease in time to readiness for discharge from the PACU associated with OFA.

Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad
CRNA News, Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad
  1. Physical therapy: Physical therapy involves physical techniques to strengthen and stretch the muscles and joints. It can relieve pain throughout the body, while the specific methods will vary by body part. Therapeutic exercise can have long-term benefits for chronic pain, including helping people cope.

  2. Hot and cold therapy: Hot and cold therapy is a common and safe technique to reduce pain. Heat can help relax the muscles and dilate the blood vessels. It can also promote healing after an injury. Cold therapy reduces blood flow and reduces inflammation that causes pain. It often involves applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the skin.

  3. Massage: Massage is a type of soft-tissue manipulation. People may benefit from this technique when used with other pain management treatments, such as physical therapy and pain medication. The benefits of massage include relaxation, increased flexibility, reduced inflammation, improved posture, improved circulation, and reduced stiffness.

  4. Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves a practitioner applying thin needles to the skin at precise points in the body. It is believed to stimulate the body’s natural painkillers and improve blood flow.

  5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help people with chronic pain learn how to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.

Feedback


According to a study published in the Neurosurgical Focus journal, OFA within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for lumbar spinal decompression represents an opportunity to minimize perioperative opioid exposure without adversely affecting pain control or recovery. The study found that there was a significant reduction in total perioperative opioid consumption in patients who received OFA, compared to patients who received traditional opioid-containing anesthesia (OCA). There were no significant differences in worst postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) between OFA and OCA groups, respectively. However, there was a clinically significant decrease in time to readiness for discharge from the PACU associated with OFA.




There are several techniques used in OFA to manage pain. Here are some of them:

  1. Physical therapy: Physical therapy involves physical techniques to strengthen and stretch the muscles and joints. It can relieve pain throughout the body, while the specific methods will vary by body part. Therapeutic exercise can have long-term benefits for chronic pain, including helping people cope.

  2. Hot and cold therapy: Hot and cold therapy is a common and safe technique to reduce pain. Heat can help relax the muscles and dilate the blood vessels. It can also promote healing after an injury. Cold therapy reduces blood flow and reduces inflammation that causes pain. It often involves applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the skin.

  3. Massage: Massage is a type of soft-tissue manipulation. People may benefit from this technique when used with other pain management treatments, such as physical therapy and pain medication. The benefits of massage include relaxation, increased flexibility, reduced inflammation, improved posture, improved circulation, and reduced stiffness.

  4. Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves a practitioner applying thin needles to the skin at precise points in the body. It is believed to stimulate the body’s natural painkillers and improve blood flow.

  5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help people with chronic pain learn how to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.

Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad, CRNA News
Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Friedberg's Triad

Developments in Opioid-Free Anesthesia


Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page