Opioid-free anesthesia in bariatric surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
European journal of medical research April 23, 2025 Christine Dagher, Rhea Mattar, Marie Aoun et al. 12 citations
Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) reduces postoperative morphine use and improves pain control compared to traditional opioid-based anesthesia in bariatric surgery. In a prospective study of 58 obese patients, those receiving OFA (lidocaine, ketamine, magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine, and dexamethasone) required a median of 8 mg of morphine after surgery versus 19 mg in the opioid-based group. Pain scores at rest, during movement, and during coughing were lower with OFA. Both groups had stable heart function during and after surgery. Rates of nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly. Patient satisfaction was higher with OFA: 65% rated satisfaction 8/10 or higher, compared to 28% with opioid-based anesthesia.