Response to “The Performance of Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Bariatric Surgery in Clinical Practice”

Anthony Kiriaki; Max Besser

PMC · DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07789-6·March 19, 2025

Response to “The Performance of Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Bariatric Surgery in Clinical Practice”

Anthony Kiriaki, Max Besser

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Abstract

Linked entities

Genes, proteins, chemicals, diseases, species, mutations and cell lines named across the full text — each resolved to its canonical identifier and authoritative record.

Species1

Homo sapiens(human · species)

Diseases6

sepsis anastomotic leak PONV opioid dependence postoperative pain pulmonary emboli

Funding1

—Western University of Health Sciences

Keywords

Opioid-free anesthesiaOpioid-based anesthesiaBariatric surgery

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Taxonomy

TopicsBariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes · Diet and metabolism studies

Full text

We read with interest the article “The Performance of Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Bariatric Surgery in Clinical Practice” [1] by Stefan Ulbing, published in your esteemed journal. The article demonstrated that opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in bariatric surgery patients led to less postoperative pain, reduced opioid requirements, improved recovery and lower rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared to opioid-based anesthesia (OBA). Bariatric surgery already presents patients with numerous postoperative risks, including anastomotic leak, cardiac events, pulmonary emboli, and sepsis [2]. Moreover, chronic opioid use among bariatric surgery patients is higher than the general population [3]. OFA has the potential to significantly reduce postoperative opioid use and the risk of opioid dependence [4]. We commend the author’s efforts in conducting this important research. As bariatric surgery becomes increasingly prevalent and accessible, it is vital to explore optimal approaches to the surgical care of these patients. Therefore, further studies are essential to determine whether OFA should be established as the gold standard for patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to define the appropriate anesthetic protocols to improve clinical outcomes. Additionally, ongoing research will help ensure that anesthetic practices are aligned with the evolving needs of this patient population.