Opiate-Free Tricuspid Valve Replacement: Case Report

Abstract

The utility of opioid pain medications for perioperative analgesia is well described. However, opioids have many dangerous side effects including respiratory depression, acute tolerance, hyperalgesia, and chronic opioid dependence. Multimodal approaches continue to be used in more invasive and complex surgical procedures for enhanced recovery and decreased postoperative complications from opioid administration. The current case report centers on a 30-year-old male recovering from opioid addiction presenting with severe tricuspid regurgitation scheduled to undergo a tricuspid valve replacement. The patient requested an opioid-free procedure, and a multimodal plan was developed for intraoperative and postprocedure management. This case represents a completely opioid-free valve replacement surgery and recovery.