Perioperative Pain Management; the Opioid Epidemic and opioid reduction strategies

This series of talks hits upon one of the longstanding themes of TopMedTalk, opioids and opioid reduction in a perioperative setting. We discuss the opioid epidemic, the issue of persistent opioid use after surgery, and strategies for opioid reduction. Topics include historical usage, the dangers of high-dose opioids, and alternative pain management techniques such as opioid-free anesthesia and multimodal analgesia. The discussion also highlights the importance of ongoing research, patient education, and evidence-based practices to minimize the side effects of opioids while ensuring effective pain management. Presented by Tim Miller, Professor of Anesthesiology at Duke University Medical Center. Tim completed his training in Nottingham, UK followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic anaesthesia at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.