# Effect of opioid-free versus opioid-based anaesthesia among surgical patients in public health care centers: A community medicine perspective

## TL;DR

This study compares opioid-free and opioid-based anesthesia in surgical patients, finding opioid-free methods more effective and affordable.

## Contribution

The study introduces opioid-free anesthesia as a practical alternative in community surgical settings.

## Key findings

- Opioid-free anesthesia reduced postoperative pain and recovery time.
- Opioid-free anesthesia improved patient satisfaction and affordability.
- Opioid-free anesthesia is a superior substitute for community surgical services.

## Abstract

Anxieties about the opioid epidemic should motivate research into more secure and economical methods of managing pain during surgery.
Hence, a total of 204 surgical patients receiving either opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) or opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) at public healthcare
institutions were compared. Dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocane were used in OFA to lessen the severity of postoperative pain, side effects
and recovery time. The OFA group also had higher rates of patient satisfaction and overall affordability. Thus, OFA is a more practical and
superior substitute for community surgical services.