Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel) In Expedited Recovery Following Lower Extremity Amputation

The purpose of this investigator-initiated study is to assess the use of liposomal bupivacaine in major extremity amputation and its effects on post-operative opioid narcotic use, length of stay, and in-hospital costs. Liposomal bupivacaine is an encapsulated, injectable amide anesthetic intended for use in long-acting local anesthesia. It has been shown in randomized trials to be effective in reducing post-operative pain while reducing opioid narcotic use and length of hospital stay following several surgical procedures, particularly after total knee arthroplasty. Extremity amputation is a painful operation often performed in seriously ill or debilitated patients, often related to infection, trauma or malignancy. Application of liposomal bupivacaine in extremity amputation is not well described. The investigators intend to enroll adults greater than age 18 years of age who are to undergo major extremity amputation. Patients will receive targeted injections of liposomal bupivacaine during their procedure. Patient pain scores, total opioid use, and length of hospital stay will be tracked. Patients receiving liposomal bupivicaine will be compared to similarly matched subjects who received standard anesthesia regimens without liposomal bupivicaine. The investigators hypothesize that liposomal bupivicaine used during major amputation decreases opioid use, hospital stay, and in-hospital costs.