Opioid-Free Anesthesia for an Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Patient Taking Buprenorphine-Naloxone for Opioid Addiction: A Case Report

Thomas Baribeault, MSN, CRNA

Thomas Baribeault, MSN, CRNA Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia

Abstract

With the growing public health problem of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose, the number of patients presenting for surgery and anesthesia who may be opioid-dependent or undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder is increasing. These patients may be appropriate candidates for opioid-free anesthesia. This case reports describes a patient being treated with buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid addiction who required an emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She requested that opioids not be used in her treatment plan. The patient’s pain was successfully managed with opioid-free anesthesia and she was discharged with no requirement for additional pain medications.

Author Biography

Thomas Baribeault, MSN, CRNA, Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia

Founder of Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Chief CRNA at Lexington Surgery Center.

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