The Use of NonOpioid Pain Management Modalities in the Postoperative Setting

Authors

• Gerri Black-Kraft, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Surgical Oncology

Advisor

Dr. Debra Munsell

Abstract

This article seeks to examine the shift in postoperative pain management from an opioid-centric paradigm to a multimodal, patient-centered framework. It reviews the transition within its historical context, outlining the clinical practices and policy decisions that fostered opioid overuse and its consequences, including increased rates of opioid use disorder, extended hospital stays, and diminished recovery quality. It then examines the evidence supporting non-opioid strategies, with emphasis on multimodal analgesia (MMA) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which integrate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities to optimize analgesia while minimizing opioid exposure. These approaches have been demonstrated to enhance functional recovery, reduce postoperative complications, and improve patient satisfaction. Furthermore, it investigates barriers to the adoption of non-opioid analgesia in the postoperative setting, including entrenched provider and patient expectations, regulatory constraints, and socioeconomic inequities that limit access to comprehensive care.

KEYWORDS: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), Opioid(s), Multimodal

Recommended Citation

Black-Kraft G. The Use of NonOpioid Pain Management Modalities in the Postoperative Setting. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).