Integrating complementary medicine in the perioperative period: a simple, opioid-sparing addition to your multimodal analgesia strategy?

TitleIntegrating complementary medicine in the perioperative period: a simple, opioid-sparing addition to your multimodal analgesia strategy?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsKelleher DC, Kirksey MA, Wu CL, Cheng SI
JournalReg Anesth Pain Med
Volume45
Issue6
Pagination468-473
Date Published2020 Jun
ISSN1532-8651
Abstract

The current US opioid health-related crisis underscores the importance for perioperative physicians to optimize various approaches to pain management. Multimodal techniques and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are frequently cited as the most effective strategies for improving the experience of pain and reducing opioid exposure. Complementary medicine (CM) techniques, while frequently shown to be effective at reducing opioid and other pharmacologic agent use, are rarely discussed as part of these multimodal strategies. In general, CM therapies are low-cost with minimal associated risk, making them an ideal choice for incorporation into ERAS and other opioid-sparing protocols. In this Daring Discourse, we discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating CM therapy into anesthetic practice. We hope that anesthesiologists can become more familiar with the current evidence regarding perioperative CM therapy, and begin incorporating these therapies as part of their comprehensive multimodal approach to perioperative pain management.

DOI10.1136/rapm-2019-100947
Alternate JournalReg Anesth Pain Med
PubMed ID32193284