David Streem, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, discusses post-operative pain management in the addicted patient and gives advice for physicians to safely treat such patients whilst providing adequate levels of analgesia.

Summary:
Post-operative pain management in the addicted patient should incorporate long-acting opiate or other analgesics and be tapered by no more than 10% every 3-7 days.

References and Resources:
Sfeir S, Mansour N. Post operative analgesia with intrathecal morphine. Middle East J Anesthesiol. 2005 Feb;18(1):133-9.
Moote C. Techniques for post-op pain management in the adult. Can J Anaesth. 1993 May;40(5 Pt 2):R19-28. Review.

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