Opioids Prescribed After Low-Risk Surgical Procedures in the United States, 2004-2012

Abstract

oral morphine equivalents prescribed. Although a limited supply of opioids may be required for some patients following tooth extraction, these data suggest that disproportionally large amounts of opioids are frequently prescribed given the expected intensity and duration of postextraction pain, particularly as nonopioid analgesics may be more effective in this setting. 5 This study has limitations. Findings based on data from Medicaid claims may not generalize to a commercially insured population. Also, the final year of the study was 2010, and it is possible that dental prescribing practices have changed somewhat since that time.This common dental procedure may represent an important area of excessive opioid prescribing in the United States. As the nation implements programs to reduce excessive prescribing of opioid medications, it will be important to include dental care in these approaches.

Opioid Prescribing for the Treatment of Acute Pain in Children on Hospital Discharge

“…5,6,10 Little attention has been paid to prescribing opioids for acute pain, particularly in children. 11,26,27 Pediatric providers currently have few objective resources available to guide practice. Studies to fill this knowledge gap regarding actual patient needs, however, have become increasingly important in light of state and federal government attempts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic in part by limiting opioid availability.…”

Managing Opioid Addiction Risk in Plastic Surgery during the Perioperative Period

“…20 Rates of opioid prescriptions to opioid-naive patients after minor surgery increased between 2004 and 2012. 21 As such, surgeons may play a significant role in propagating the addiction crisis by exposing patients to potentially harmful and addictive opioid medications and contributing to the street supply of opioids.…”

Chronic Opioid Use After Surgery: Implications for Perioperative Management in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic

“…Approximately 51 million Americans undergo inpatient surgery annually, and opioids remain a primary modality for postoperative acute pain management. 3–8 Over 80% of patients receive opioids after low-risk surgery, and over 80% of these prescriptions involve oxycodone or hydrocodone. 8 Thus, surgical patients routinely receive the most commonly prescribed opioids that are also most commonly implicated in drug overdose deaths.…”

“…3–8 Over 80% of patients receive opioids after low-risk surgery, and over 80% of these prescriptions involve oxycodone or hydrocodone. 8 Thus, surgical patients routinely receive the most commonly prescribed opioids that are also most commonly implicated in drug overdose deaths. In the inpatient setting, patients undergoing operations most often receive a variety of opioids administered through multiple routes, and the majority of patients prescribed opioids at hospital discharge have had surgery.…”