Dexmedetomidine as Part of a Multimodal Analgesic Treatment Regimen for Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia in a Patient with Significant Opioid Tolerance

Acute postoperative pain in patients with opioid tolerance creates a significant management challenge for anesthesiologists and pain medicine physicians. A multimodal approach is key; however other factors can complicate management such as opioid induced hyperalgesia. We present the case of a patien...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Richard K. Patch III, Jason S. Eldrige, Susan M. Moeschler, Matthew J. Pingree
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2017-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Anesthesiology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/9876306
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Summary:Acute postoperative pain in patients with opioid tolerance creates a significant management challenge for anesthesiologists and pain medicine physicians. A multimodal approach is key; however other factors can complicate management such as opioid induced hyperalgesia. We present the case of a patient on large amounts of intrathecal opioids for chronic pain syndrome with opioid induced hyperalgesia after an exploratory laparotomy. Dexmedetomidine was utilized successfully as part of a controlled multimodal analgesic plan and should be a consideration for opioid tolerant patients experiencing opioid induced hyperalgesia.
ISSN:2090-6382
2090-6390