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

Abstract EN

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.