187 Ketamine and Spinal Fusion Surgery: Does It Increase or Reduce Postoperative Opioid Consumption? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ketamine is a commonly used anesthetic that can also be used for analgesia and sedation. However, none has examined its role in spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: Using the keywords ketamine, spinal fusion surgery, postoperative, and opioid, each reviewer individually carried out a literature search from PubMed, EuroPMC, and Cochrane CENTRAL until May 15, 2021. We only included studies with the adult population, a randomized controlled trial design, English language publications, and reported the key exposure. Additionally, only fully reviewed literature was included. We also excluded non-human literature. The primary endpoint was morphine consumption after 24 and 48 hours of undertaking surgery, whereas secondary endpoints were pain and complications. The pain was analyzed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). We performed a standardized mean difference meta-analysis for postoperative morphine consumption and pain. For complications, we reported the odds ratio as the pooled effect estimate. Each studies quality included was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: We included four notable studies in this study (n = 515). 34.5% male and 65.5% female with the mean age of 45.4 years old. We found that intraoperative ketamine administration were associated with lower postoperative opioid consumption -38.35 mg (95% CI -53.18, -23.52), decreased VAS score -0.83 (95% CI -1.26, -0.39), and lower postoperative complications (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.60, 1.06). CONCLUSION: Ketamine administration intraoperatively resulted in a considerable reduction in morphine intake, decreased pain, and fewer adverse reactions in spinal fusion surgery patients.