Integrating complementary medicine in the perioperative period: a simple, opioid-sparing addition to your multimodal analgesia strategy?

Abstract

The current US opioid health-related crisis underscores the importance for perioperative physicians to optimize various approaches to pain management. Multimodal techniques and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are frequently cited as the most effective strategies for improving the experience of pain and reducing opioid exposure. Complementary medicine (CM) techniques, while frequently shown to be effective at reducing opioid and other pharmacologic agent use, are rarely discussed as part of these multimodal strategies. In general, CM therapies are low-cost with minimal associated risk, making them an ideal choice for incorporation into ERAS and other opioid-sparing protocols. In this Daring Discourse, we discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating CM therapy into anesthetic practice. We hope that anesthesiologists can become more familiar with the current evidence regarding perioperative CM therapy, and begin incorporating these therapies as part of their comprehensive multimodal approach to perioperative pain management.

Research Status and Prospects of Acupuncture in Perioperative Medicine Over the Past Decade: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Acupuncture has a potential role in reducing the prevalence of opioids or other perioperative pharmacologic agents for perioperative complications, making it an ideal candidate for integration into ERAS and other opioid-sparing procedures. 58 Cluster #9 mainly related to citing articles published in the past two years on the research of EA or TEAS in the treatment of POCD in elderly subjects. Besides, the research on acupuncture improving postoperative mental state has gradually attracted attention, forming the research trends in recent years.…”

Billing for perioperative acupuncture: current practices and future directions

“…For example, acupuncture has recently been included as part of the key word curriculum for the ABA advanced exams and included in top-tier anesthesiology journals. 5 Acupuncture is Billing for perioperative acupuncture: current practices and future directions…”

“…For example, acupuncture has recently been included as part of the key word curriculum for the ABA advanced exams and included in top-tier anesthesiology journals. 5 Acupuncture is one of the most well-studied integrative medicine modalities utilized in the perioperative period. Despite this, there are no defined, anesthesiology-specific billing codes currently available.…”