Methadone opioids and anesthesia, surgery question

Question

need to do skin tightening on stomach and chest and gyno surgery. I am tapering but it's a slow process and need to do the surgery because I am not comfortable in my body or social life. I just would like to know if working with methadone is something most doctors and anesthesiologists have experience with. I am on a fairly low dose but am most worried about getting the correct anesthesia while under and somewhat worried about after surgery. Basically will it affect anything in terms of outcome?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is always an issue when genaral anesthesia is used. It is best to address this problem between your plastic surgeon and psychiatrist who is handling your methadon dosing and treatment. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most anesthesiologists have experience working with individuals with a history of opiate addiction, including patients on buprenorphine or Methadone.
It may be a good idea to have an anesthesia consultation before an elective surgical procedure. Getting through the surgery itself is probably not so much of an issue as having a solid plan of action for postoperative pain management.
A lot of surgical procedures can be managed without the need of opiates, and there are different ways of managing the postoperative pain with or without opiate pain medication for those in your situation. One option may be to temporary go up on your methadone dosing immediately after surgery or to take Additional medication’s as needed. I suggest working with your Addictionologist or whoever is prescribing methadone to have a very clear plan of action for postoperative management. 
That is probably more important than your concern about getting through the procedure.
Make sure you understand your own candidacy for various surgical options and put in sufficient effort in finding the right provider. I suggest patients have multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons at which time you can review your medical history and bring up your concerns in person.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Methadone opioids and anesthesia, surgery question

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