Methadone in Ambulatory Surgery

Methadone in Ambulatory Surgery

The μ-opioid receptor agonist methadone is frequently used in adult anesthesia and adult pain therapy. Methadone has an extremely long half-life, which confers therapeutic advantage by providing more stable plasma concentrations and long-lasting pain relief. Methadone perioperative pharmacokinetics and effectiveness in perioperative pain relief in inpatients is well characterized. There is, however, no information on methadone use in an ambulatory surgery setting and outpatient procedures. This pilot investigation will determine effectiveness of intraoperative methadone in reducing postoperative opioid consumption and providing improved pain relief in patients undergoing moderately painful, ambulatory surgical procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65 years
• Undergoing general anesthesia and moderately painful, ambulatory surgical procedures with anticipated overnight, postop hospital stay of < 24 hours
• Signed, written, informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of or known liver or kidney disease.
• Females who are pregnant or nursing.
• Opioid tolerant patients (e.g. preoperative methadone therapy or use of fentanyl transdermal patches)
• History of allergy to methadone