Surgery And Opioids: Are They Necessary?
The word surgery brings about feelings of anxiety for many patients. Yet, a surgical procedure is one of the most critical tools in healthcare. Surgery, however, is just the start of recovering from a condition or injury. During recovery, managing pain is a genuine concern. Over the years, drugs called opioids helped millions with pain relief, but overdependence created an opioid epidemic. To prevent addiction, surgeons have been opting for minimally invasive surgery instead.
So what exactly are opioids?
Opioids are potent drugs, sometimes called narcotics, which help with pain relief. Opioids link with opioid receptors throughout the body. These receptors are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. Popular opioids include fentanyl, codeine, and oxycodone. When used over time, opioids can become very addictive. People’s responses to opioids decrease, which can encourage overdosing, which can be deadly. In fact, 2 out of 3 overdose deaths are due to these drugs.
Moving away from open surgery
Open surgery is the most common form of surgery used around the world. To access the internal damage, the surgeon will need to make a large incision. The cut will often pass through tissue, fat, and muscle. Sometimes, pain after surgery is not from the surgeon’s work but from the process of healing the incision. As a result, the doctor may prescribe enough narcotics over several weeks to help with the pain. The best option to reduce the risk of opioids is to move away from open surgery when possible.
Turning to minimally invasive surgery
Advancements in medical technology and science brought about minimally invasive surgery or MIS. Specially trained surgeons use unique tools that can easily access the surgical site without large incisions. An arthroscope is the primary tool used during surgery, a snake-like device with a high-powered camera at the end. The camera projects the surgical site on a monitor. Further microdevices allow the surgeon to cut, stitch, and even replace tissue. MIS has several advantages over open surgery.
A working example
Let’s say a basketball player fell awkwardly and tore the ACL in the knee. Open surgery would require an incision of 8 or more inches along the thigh and past the knee. The surgeon would then need to move the fat and muscles to the side, using clamps to hold the tissue in place. With MIS, the surgeon only requires 2 or 3 incisions the size of buttonholes. One incision is for the scope. The other incisions allow the surgeon to use tools to remove the damaged ligament and attach the new one.
MIS means reduced pain and faster healing times
Reduced pain is the most significant advantage of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon does not have to damage muscle, fat, and tendons. That means there is significantly less pain. Less pain significantly reduces the need for opioids. MIS means the recovery time drops as well. Today, MIS can happen at ambulatory surgical centers, allowing the patient to leave the same day. The reduced surgery times mean that patients can heal faster. Some can even avoid opioids altogether.
Minimally invasive surgery helps with efficient pain management
Just because the surgery is minimally invasive does not mean there is no pain. What the surgery does offer is the ability for patients to opt for other forms of pain management. Some patients may be concerned about opioid tolerance due to a past experience. With MIS, the doctors can opt for solutions like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or massage therapy. Studies show that people opting for MIS are 3 times more likely to recover without opioids than open surgery.
Reducing addiction rates
The proof is in the pudding. People using opioids for long periods are more likely to develop dependencies and addictions. Up to 1 in 3 patients misuse opioids, and 12% are likely to develop an addiction. With shorter recovery times, higher success rates, and less pain, patients may not need opioids. Those that do won’t need as many. That’s a big win for the opioid epidemic.
Consider MIS today
If surgery is around the corner, there will be increased concerns about post-operative pain management. For many, that means using opioids to relieve pain. With minimally invasive surgery, the need for narcotics reduces significantly. Patients can find success through other means of pain relief. Of course, not all conditions are eligible for MIS. When possible, ask the surgeon about this innovative type of surgery to avoid opioids altogether.
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
