avoiding opioid use in cancer surgery

Some of my colleagues have been avoiding opioids altogether (and using ketamine) for cancer surgery, based on some animal and in-vitro studies showing that opioids may lead to immunosuppression of protective mechanisms and may increase risk of cancer recurrence. From what I've read it is mostly with morphine and there has not been any RCTs performed for this. I haven't jumped on the bandwagon on this. Most of the attendings here like to use remi for head and neck, other surgeries where... avoiding opioid use in cancer surgery
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Anesthesiology Source Type: forums