Managing Perioperative Patients with Untreated Opioid Use Disorder: Key Insights
When you start on something like buprenorphine in the hospital, in the ER, you're basically saving lives. People on suboxone live longer, buprenorphine, sorry.
Ever wondered how to handle patients with undiagnosed opioid use disorder (OUD) during surgery? In this episode of 'The Addiction Connection', Drs. Heather Bell and Kurt DeVine tackle this critical issue head-on. As part of their series on perioperative considerations, they dive into the complexities of managing patients who either have an undiagnosed OUD or are on high doses of chronic opioids.
They also explore scenarios involving patients who are opioid-naive but at high risk for developing OUD, including those who refuse opioids due to a history of substance use or personal preference. The discussion covers a range of important topics, from the challenges of identifying undiagnosed OUD in surgical settings to the life-saving benefits of initiating buprenorphine treatment in the hospital.
Methadone and buprenorphine are examined as options for managing perioperative pain, with a focus on connecting patients to ongoing care post-discharge. The hosts also highlight the need for more research into using buprenorphine for post-operative pain management. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals navigating the tricky waters of perioperative care for patients with or at risk for untreated OUD. Drs. Bell and DeVine offer practical advice and share real-world experiences, making complex medical topics accessible and engaging.
Whether you're a medical student, a practicing provider, or someone affected by addiction, this episode provides valuable insights and practical solutions.