Abstract

Pain management with opioids is often limited by medication side effects. One of the most common and distressing side effects is opioid-induced constipation (OIC), a syndrome that is now getting significant national attention. We report the case of an opioid-dependent 56-year-old man who underwent lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis. Postoperatively, he developed OIC and Ogilvie syndrome, then following treatment with methylnaltrexone experienced an acute bowel perforation. We briefly review the recommended management of OIC as well as indications and contraindications of methylnaltrexone and similar new medications.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.