Multimodal Analgesia in Cardiothoracic Procedure: Opioid and Non-opioid Pharmacology for Pain Management: Part 1

Pain in the context of cardiothoracic surgery can be attributed to multiple factors. Furthermore, cardiothoracic procedure-related pain can be significant and can lead to multiple morbidities including chronic pain syndromes when left undertreated. Even though opioids remain mainstay of treatment for these procedures, opioid-sparing techniques utilizing a well-developed multimodal regimen can be important in the proper pain management of this patient population. It is imperative for the anesthesiologist to understand the multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities available, the benefits and adverse effects, and the literature supporting the utility of these methods.