Abstract
BACKGROUND: Analgesic treatment is the primary method for managing acute postoperative pain. Opioid analgesics are the main class of drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain, whether it is acute or chronic. These opioids differ in various ways, including their pharmacochemical properties, distribution and absorption rates, metabolism, and elimination pathways for the drug and its metabolites. These differences result in varying degrees of analgesic efficacy, which, in clinical practice, allows for the selection of the most effective drug that maximizes pain relief while ensuring safety. Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid with properties that are not yet fully understood. It has a wide range of applications in treating both acute and chronic pain, including non-cancer and cancer-related pain. One of the most significant clinical advantages of buprenorphine is its safety profile, which includes a ceiling effect on respiratory depression, no immunosuppressive effects, inhibition of hyperalgesia, no cumulative effects in patients with renal failure, and a low risk of constipation following its use. AIM: This study aims to analyze current reports on the use of intravenous buprenorphine as a first-line opioid analgesic for postoperative pain relief. The paper discusses the pharmacochemical properties of the drug and the mechanisms behind postoperative pain. Additionally, it presents the experiences of the pain management team at Copernicus Hospital in Gdansk regarding administering intravenous buprenorphine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current literature on buprenorphine for treating moderate to severe acute pain has been reviewed, focusing on its effectiveness in managing postoperative pain following surgical procedures. Additionally, the experience of the Copernicus Hospital pain team with buprenorphine is summarized in a brief discussion. CONCLUSION: After reviewing current literature and recommendations, along with the experiences of the pain management team at Copernicus Hospital in Gdańsk, it can be concluded that buprenorphine is an analgesic that demonstrates a high level of efficacy and safety. When used in combination with non-opioid analgesics, buprenorphine achieves a synergistic effect, resulting in effective pain relief. This approach facilitates early patient rehabilitation and enables a swift return to normal activities, even following extensive surgical procedures.