Episode 24 - How to handle buprenorphine in the perioperative setting

Episode 24 - How to handle buprenorphine in the perioperative setting

Imagine you've successfully started a patient with opiate use disorder on buprenorphine. But what happens when they need surgery? Should they still receive full agonist opioids afterward? In this episode of 'Addiction in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care', Dr. Casey Grover tackles these pressing questions head-on. The episode dives into the complexities of pain control and medication management for patients on buprenorphine in the perioperative setting. Historically, guidelines suggested tapering off buprenorphine before surgery, but new evidence challenges this approach.

Dr. Grover discusses how buprenorphine, combined with full agonist mu-opioids, can effectively manage perioperative pain. He emphasizes that buprenorphine should not be routinely tapered or discontinued before surgery and advocates for a multimodal approach to pain relief. This episode is packed with practical tips and recommendations for clinicians in emergency and acute care settings, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in treating substance use disorders.