Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Clinical Adjunct Professor), Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Pikeville University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Clinical Professor), Pikeville, KY, USA.
J Clin Pharm Ther. 2021 Oct;46(5):1220-1225. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13382. Epub 2021 Mar 3.
Postsurgical recovery is influenced by multiple pre-, intra- and perioperative pharmacotherapeutic interventions, including the administration of medications that can induce respiratory depression postoperatively. We present a succinct overview of the topic, including the nature and magnitude of the problem, contributing factors, current limited options, and potential novel therapeutic approach.
Pre-, intra- and perioperative medications are commonly administered for anxiety, anaesthesia, muscle relaxation and pain relief among other reasons. Several of the medications alone or in joint-action can be additive or synergistic producing respiratory depression. Given the large number of surgical procedures that are performed each year, even a small percentage of postoperative respiratory complications translates into a large number of affected patients.
Due to the large number of surgeries performed each year, and the variety of medications used before, during, and after surgery, the occurrence of postoperative respiratory depression is surprisingly common. It is a significant medical problem and burden on hospital resources. There is a need for new strategies to prevent and treat the acute and collateral problems associated with postoperative respiratory depression.
术后恢复受到多种术前、术中和围手术期药物治疗干预的影响，包括术后可能引起呼吸抑制的药物的使用。我们对这一主题进行了简洁的概述，包括问题的性质和程度、促成因素、当前有限的选择以及潜在的新治疗方法。
出于焦虑、麻醉、肌肉松弛和止痛等原因，术前、术中和围手术期经常会给予药物。一些药物单独或联合作用可能会产生相加或协同作用，导致呼吸抑制。考虑到每年进行的大量手术，即使术后呼吸并发症的比例很小，也会导致大量受影响的患者。
由于每年进行的手术数量众多，以及手术前后使用的各种药物，术后呼吸抑制的发生非常常见。这是一个严重的医疗问题，给医院资源带来了负担。需要新的策略来预防和治疗与术后呼吸抑制相关的急性和间接问题。
