Methadone and Buprenorphine in the Perioperative Setting: A Review of the Literature

The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent literature and guidelines regarding perioperative methadone and buprenorphine use.

Surgical patients taking methadone and buprenorphine are being encountered more frequently in the perioperative period, and providers are becoming more familiar with their pharmacologic properties, benefits as well as precautions. Recommendations pertaining to buprenorphine therapy in the perioperative settings have changed in recent years, owing to more clinical and basic science research. In addition to their use in chronic pain and opioid use disorders, they can also be initiated for acute postoperative pain indications, in select patients and situations.

Methadone and buprenorphine are being more commonly prescribed for pain management and opioid use disorder, and their continuation during the perioperative period is generally recommended, to reduce the risk of opioid withdrawal, relapse, or inadequately controlled pain. Additionally, both may be initiated safely and effectively for acute pain management during and after the operating room period.