A Challenging Cesarean Delivery and Perioperative Course in a Former Polysubstance Abuser Without the Use of Traditional Opioids.

ABSTRACT

Substance abuse is a major challenge in the United States. According to the Human Resources and Services Administration, we are in an opioid crisis with over 130 people a day dying from opioid-related drug overdoses. As awareness of this epidemic has grown, there has been an increase in patients coming in for surgery requesting a narcotic-free anesthetic. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the anesthesiologist who has a duty to respect the patient's autonomy while simultaneously achieving the appropriate perioperative outcome. The considerations are especially important in the vulnerable population of pregnant women.