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Surgery

Introduction

For any form of surgery assessment for any substance use issues including drug dependence, a brief assessment should be involved.

If problems are identified, intervention should commence at the earliest possible opportunity ideally by the treating team or via referral to drug and alcohol services.

Delaying the treatment until development of avoidable post-operative withdrawal

Drugs to consider in a patient about to undergo surgery include: For more information about Surgery and Substance Use, refer to the chapter from the Handbook for Health Professionals, Chapter 16 'Surgery and Substance Use' (PDF 63 KB). Also see the Resource Kit 'Surgery'.

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