Comment on: The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in patients with obesity: a registry-based cohort study.

Abstract

In the face of it, it is neither surprising nor counter-intuitive that successful bariatric surgery should lead to a reduction in analgesic use. It is undisputed that bariatric surgery can improve metabolic syndrome and lead to a reduction in anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive medication use. Why shouldn't it also help reduce analgesic use? However, opioids are not simple pain medications. Depending on biological, environmental, genetic and psychosocial factors, opioids can lead to the debilitating opiate use disorder with very high recurrence and mortality rates. It should also be noted that, opiate use disorder is in a constant rise, reaching to epidemic proportions especially in North America. According to Stanford-Lancet Commission report, in 2020, 69 710 opioid overdose related deaths in U.S. and 6214 in Canada were recorded which represent a 37% and 63% increase respectively compared to the previous year 1 Humphreys K. Shover C.L. Andrews C.M. et al. Responding to the opioid crisis in North America and beyond: Recommendations of the Stanford-Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2022; 399: 555-604 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar . The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in patients with obesity: a registry-based cohort studySurgery for Obesity and Related DiseasesPreviewMisuse of opioid medication has become a major health crisis in several countries. A significant number of patients with obesity use opioid medications, mostly to alleviate symptoms due to obesity-related co-morbidities. Full-Text PDF