Introduction
Opioids are widely regarded as the most effective analgesics for perioperative management. However, opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) is associated with several adverse events, including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), impaired respiratory function, delayed gastrointestinal recovery, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and an increased risk of dependence.1–4 These adverse effects are among the factors contributing to the global opioid crisis. In response, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to minimize opioid exposure, thereby promoting faster functional recovery and reducing complications, particularly in minimally invasive procedures. Consequently, opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) has emerged as a multimodal strategy that employs nonopioid agents to provide effective analgesia while…