Intraoperative Ketamine Reduces Perioperative Opiate Consumption in Opiate-dependent Patients with Chronic Back Pain Undergoing Back Surgery

Abstract

Intraoperative ketamine reduces opiate consumption in the 48-h postoperative period in opiate-dependent patients with chronic pain. Ketamine may also reduce opioid consumption and pain intensity throughout the postoperative period in this patient population. This benefit is without an increase in side effects.