[Complications of accelerated opioid detoxification]

Abstract

All accelerated opioid detoxifications under anesthesia, which were performed at our district hospital during 3 years (1999 to 2002), have been retrospectively analyzed. A total of 48 detoxifications were made in 43 patients. Three serious complications were recorded. In the first case, there was incomplete detoxification using naltrexone. The naloxone test was negative. After recovery from anesthesia, the patient developed a severe withdrawal syndrome that required repeated detoxification. In the second case, the patient developed bedsores at the site of the sacrum and scapulae after 7-hour detoxification. Reddening and edema disappeared on day 3 without treatment. In the third case, there was insufficient artificial ventilation due to inspiratory valvular defect. Capnography was not applied. The symptoms of hypercapnia, such hypertension, hyperemia, sweating, were regarded as the symptoms of abstinence so anesthesia was intensified. Valvular defect was detected when the patient developed hypoxia. All the patients were discharged from hospital in a satisfactory condition.