OPIOID-FREE ANESTHESIA AND THE QUALITY OF EARLY RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159552515016

• Palavras-chave: opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, perioperative recovery, chronic pain.

• Keywords: opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, perioperative recovery, chronic pain.

• Abstract:

  Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional opioid-based anesthesia, with the aim of minimizing adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting and addiction, and promoting a higher quality perioperative recovery. This study reviewed the efficacy and safety of OFA, using a methodology based on a literature review and the PVO strategy. Twenty-seven articles were selected from the PubMed database, published between 2020 and 2024, which addressed the impact of OFA on the quality of postoperative recovery, incidence of chronic pain and quality of life. The results indicate that OFA reduces respiratory complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as showing greater hemodynamic stability in different surgical contexts. Studies have highlighted its effectiveness in minimally invasive surgeries and specific populations, such as patients with myotonic dystrophy. However, limitations include variations in efficacy according to the type of surgery, logistical and economic challenges, and the need for specialized training. We can see that OFA has the potential to enrich anesthetic management, especially when integrated with personalized multimodal strategies. However, gaps remain regarding its applicability in complex surgeries and economic viability, suggesting the need for robust multicenter studies to consolidate its clinical and operational implications.