Prevention of post-operative hyperalgesia in a heroin-addicted patient on methadone maintenance

What is known and objective: The exponential increase in chronic opioid consumers resulted in more challenges regarding post-operative pain management. Considering the usual hyperalgesic response to pain and the increased opioid-tolerance, a multidrug approach should be desirable. Case description: We described the strategy in pain management of a patient receiving methadone maintenance treatment, who underwent surgery associated with moderate post-operative pain. The combination of balanced general anaesthesia and intraoperative continuous low-dose infusion of ketamine assured an appropriate control of post-operative pain without increasing opioid consumption. Besides, it was not associated with psychomimetic effects. What is new and conclusion: Ketamine can effectively reduce opioid requirements in chronic opioid users on methadone maintenance therapy and should therefore be considered promptly as part of a multimodal perioperative analgesia management in this category of patients.