Sufentanil Infusion vs Intravenous Methadone for Postoperative Analgesia Following Head and Neck Dissection With Free Flap or Rotational Reconstruction

This study compares two opioid pain medications — sufentanil (delivered by continuous IV infusion) and methadone (given intravenously) — to determine which one better controls pain during and after head and neck surgery that involves removing tissue and reconstructing the area using a free flap or rotational tissue technique. Patients aged 18–80, classified as low-to-moderate surgical risk (ASA class 1–3), who are scheduled for this specific type of surgery at Indiana University Health are eligible. Before surgery, participants are randomly assigned to one of the two medications, and after surgery, research staff follow up to collect data on pain levels and recovery. Patients with opioid allergies, substance use disorders, home methadone use, or severe liver or kidney disease are not eligible. This summary was prepared as patient-facing educational content using AI assistance.