Case series: Opioid free anaesthesia

Abstract

Opioid free anaesthesia (OFA) is a technique where no intraoperative systemic, neuraxial or intracavitary opioid is administered with anaesthetic. Opioid free analgesia similarly avoids opioids in the perioperative period. Opioids in perioperative period which is associated with various adverse effects and poor surgical outcomes. Opioids in perioperative period is associated with respiratory depression, impaired gastrointestinal function, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Urinary retention, delirium, and potential for opioid addiction. Now many non- opioid analgesics are currently available that have less side effects and lower potential for addiction. Replacing opioids with other analgesics will not only reduce opioid addiction but will also lead to better perioperative outcomes and enhanced patient recovery. Recently opioid sparing strategies have been emerged and non opioid based multimodel strategy is being used worldwide.