Joseph F. Answine, MD
Pain medications, especially opioids, have understandably undergone intense scrutiny due to recent public concern over prescription drug abuse, as well as the known side effects of opioids limiting enhanced recovery programs (e.g., somnolence impeding early ambulation and feeding, increased postoperative nausea and vomiting, higher incidence of ileus after colorectal surgery and significant respiratory depression).
The problem with eliminating opioid