Non-opioid Based Pain Control After Thyroidectomy

Use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Minimizing Opioid Use for Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy

Pain control modalities were evaluated after thyroidectomy.

Pain control modalities were evaluated after thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized to one of two pain control regimens. The control group received conventional opioid based post operative analgesia while the test group received an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) based anesthesia with use of acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the post operative period with opioid medications available for break through pain only. Pain scores (measured on visual analog scale) and opioid use (measured in morphine equivalent dose) were measured after completion of the operation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• thyroid disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• currently on opioid pain medications
• on opioid pain meds in last 30 days
• cannot take non-opioid medications
• require more extensive operation than thyroidectomy