Morphine Milligram Equivalents Research Articles

Reducing Postoperative Opioid Use: A Comparison of Open Versus Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia for Patients Undergoing Open Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Opioid crisis is a national issue with significant economic burden and marked increase in opioid-related deaths, particularly following surgical procedures. Reducing opioid requirements while maintaining effective analgesia is critically challenging, perioperatively. Multimodal drug regimens and guided regional anesthesia (RA) have been adopted to address this issue. We aimed to assess postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy based on the routes of RA administration: open versus ultra-sound guided. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Emory University Saint Joseph's Hospital, encompassing patients who underwent open pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) from 2020 to 2022 who received ultrasound-guided RA (U-RA) or open RA (O-RA). Patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes, including opioid consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) at 24, 48, and 72 h, were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression identified predictors of postoperative opioid use. Of 95 patients, 47 met inclusion criteria: 27 received U-RA and 20 O-RA. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics were similar between patients receiving O-RA and U-RA. A lower opioid requirement was noted in the O-RA group compared to the U-RA group at all time points. (24 h: 6.5 vs. 18, p = 0.004; 48 h: 18 vs. 37, p = 0.001; 72 h: 30.5 vs. 57, p = 0.002). On multivariable analysis, only route of regional anesthesia was independently associated with reduced opioid use across all time points (24 h: mean difference = -5.75, 95% CI: -11.3, -0.18; 48 h: mean difference = -16.95, 95% CI: -27.5, -6.4; 72 h: mean difference = -20.39, 95% CI: -35.4, -5.3) Patient age, gender, race, obesity, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, small pancreatic duct, and pancreatic fistula were not independently associated with opioid use. O-RA may offer a better approach than U-RA in minimizing opioid consumption after open PD. These findings suggest the incorporation of O-RA for upper abdominal surgeries to decrease the necessity of postoperative opioids.

Inpatient Multimodal Pain Regimens Do Not Impact Hospital Length of Stay or Long-term Postoperative Opioid Use Following 1 and 2-Level Lumbar Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study. To determine hospital length of stay (LOS) and long-term opioid consumption among patients who received inpatient multimodal analgesia following lumbar spine surgery, as opposed to those who received opioids alone. Opioids have long been the historical choice for managing postoperative pain. The use of multimodal analgesia has become more commonplace in recent years as it is thought to achieve similar levels of pain control while simultaneously diminishing opioid consumption and decreasing LOS. Patients who underwent 1 or 2-level lumbar fusion from 2018 to 2019 were included. Patients who received opioids on an as-needed basis were propensity-matched to a cohort who received multimodal analgesia based on demographics, surgical approach, and levels fused. LOS was collected for each patient. One year preoperative to 2 postoperative opioid use was obtained from the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and included total prescriptions and total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). A subanalysis was also performed comparing preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative tramadol consumption during this time frame. A total of 69 patients received an opioid-only pain regimen, while 207 patients received multimodal analgesia. Patients receiving a multimodal pain regimen consumed a higher daily tramadol MME but a comparable total in-hospital MME to patients in the opioid-only cohort. No statistically significant differences existed between cohorts with regards to LOS, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative opioid consumption, though multimodal patients consumed more tramadol from 0 to 30 days postoperatively. Patients who received a multimodal pain regimen consumed comparable quantities of opioids to those who received opioids alone and did not have a longer LOS following 1 and 2-level lumbar fusion.

Laparoscopic Warshaw Procedure for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms in Children

Background Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) arising in the body or tail of the pancreas can be amenable to laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without concomitant splenectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for SPN using the Warshaw technique as a means to preserve spleens in children. Methods We reviewed our database of SPN patients 19 years and younger (January 2006-December 2023). Five had a laparoscopic Warshaw procedure. Using the volumetric analysis tool in Sectra, a pediatric radiologist calculated preoperative tumor, pancreas, and spleen volumes (including postoperative organ volumes) on computed tomography. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results All five spleens were salvaged, although small infarcts occurred centrally in four patients. Splenic volumes on first imaging after Warshaw averaged 93.9% of preoperative size. Splenic volumes were preserved over time, as the most recent scans averaged 110.6% of the preoperative spleen volume. Collateral flow through the short gastric arteries, inferred from dilation on scans, increased in all patients. Median tumor volume was 85.2 mL, and all SPN were resected with negative margins. No relapse occurred (median follow up: 407 days). Median estimated blood loss was 100 mL, median length of procedure was 4.9 hours, and median inpatient length of stay was 3 days. A multimodal pain regimen, including preoperative TAP blocks, non-opiate, and opiate medications, resulted in a median 81 Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MMEs) administered during the hospital stay. Conclusion Laparoscopic Warshaw for SPN in children appears highly effective at preserving splenic volume without compromising oncologic fidelity or consuming excess inpatient resources.

The association of state policies and opioid analgesic amount dispensed from retail pharmacies.

States have implemented multiple policies likely to influence opioid prescribing; few national general population studies examine those policies' effects on per-capita opioid morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dispensed. To examine state policies' effects on opioids per-capita MMEs dispensed at retail pharmacies. A longitudinal study of associations between MME per capita and implementation of policy interventions at different times across states. United States, 2006-2018 PATIENTS: Data representing approximately 90 % of prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in the United States. States implementing (1) Pain management clinic laws, (2) operational Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP), (3) mandatory PDMP use, (4) required continuing medical education for opioid prescribers, (5) medical cannabis dispensary laws, and (6) initial prescription duration limit laws. Monthly county-level opioid MME per-capita. Pain management clinic policies' effects were modest, not significantly associated with MME per-capita in the year following implementation, but negatively associated in subsequent years. Operational PDMP policies were negatively associated with MME per-capita in all five years following implementation. We found no evidence of significant effects of mandatory PDMP requirements, mandatory continuing medical education policies, or medical cannabis dispensary policies in any of the five years following policy implementation. Initial prescription duration limits were associated with increased per-capita MME dispensed in years 3-5 following implementation. Several state policies are associated with reductions in the total amount of opioid analgesic dispensed. Additional research should examine the policies' effects on clinical outcomes in both general and high-risk populations.

Users of chronic prescription opioids decrease in the first 12 months following bariatric surgery.

Obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic pain frequently treated with opioids. Our study investigated the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on chronic opioid prescription use. Using the IBM MarketScan database (2010-2017), we analyzed adult chronic opioid users who underwent bariatric surgery. Opioid use was measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for 6-month periods before and after surgery. Changes in MME for each 6-month interval were compared to preoperative exposure and across the different types of bariatric surgery. Of the 2197 patients identified, 29% discontinued opioids 6 months post surgery, further decreasing to 23.4% at 12 months. Discontinuation rates were similar for VSG and RYGB. Preoperative opioid exposure did not predict postsurgery discontinuation, but patients with multiple opioid prescription types were less likely to stop. Among those continuing opioid use, average MME increased at 6 months post surgery compared with 6 months pre surgery in both groups (mean [SD], RYGB: 49.4 [347.3]; VSG: 74.9 [533.4]). Although bariatric surgery reduced the number of chronic opioid users by nearly 25%, persistent users showed increased average opioid exposure after surgery. Further research to track long-term opioid use should be conducted, and providers should inform patients of these risks and attempt opioid dose reductions before surgery.

Trends in prescription opioid analgesic use in Australia from 2015 to 2022

Recent measures to curb use and harms of pharmaceutical opioids in Australia have reduced dispensings of opioid analgesics for pain, under Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). But information on trends in private (self-funded) dispensings and public (government-funded) hospital opioids use is not readily available. Our study describes eight-year population-level trends in Australia's prescribed opioid analgesic use, estimating PBS dispensing claims, private dispensings and hospital use. Our descriptive study used two datasets covering 2015 to 2022: national IQVIA data on all (PBS/private) pharmaceutical sales to community pharmacies, hospitals and other settings, and PBS dispensing claims data for a 10 % sample of Australian residents, extrapolated to estimate national PBS claims. We measured total units of each opioid sold/dispensed, converted into oral morphine equivalent milligrams (OME)/1000 population/day. We estimated private dispensings/public hospitals use by subtracting PBS OME from total OME sold. We calculated hospital OME using sales to hospitals. We assessed annual trends using Joinpoint regression. Between 2015 and 2022 total prescribed opioid analgesic use decreased by 21.2 % , from 1231.4 to 970.6 OME/1000/day (-3.4% per year, p < 0.001). Between 2015 and 2022, PBS dispensing claims decreased by -353.4 OME/1000/day, from 1061.7 to 708.4 OME/1000/day (-5.9 % per year; p < 0.001). In contrast, private dispensings/public hospital use increased by +92.5 OME/1000/day, from 169.7 to 262.3 OME/1000/day (+6.7 % per year; p < 0.001). The contribution of private dispensings/public hospital use to total prescribed opioid analgesic use doubled between 2015 and 2022 from 13.8 % to 27.0 %. Opioid use in hospitals remained stable (-1.1 % per year, p = 0.07), accounting for 8 to 10 % of total use between 2015 and 2022. Prescribed opioid analgesic use declined between 2015 and 2022 because of reductions in PBS dispensing claims. A quarter of the reduction in PBS dispensing claims was offset by use outside the PBS. Our findings indicate a significant increase in private use, reasons for which may include accessing opioids not PBS-subsidised and circumventing PBS restrictions for PBS-subsidised opioids. Comparing multiple data sources provides a comprehensive account of prescribed opioid analgesic use in Australia.

Opioid Prescribing Trends Following Lumbar Discectomy.

Lumbar diskectomy is a common procedure, following which a brief course of narcotics is often prescribed. Nonetheless, increasing attention has been given to such prescribing patterns to limit adverse effects and the potential for abuse. This study investigated prescribing patterns of opioid within 90 days following lumbar diskectomy. Patients undergoing single-level lumbar laminotomy/diskectomy from 2011 to 2021 were identified in the PearlDiver Mariner161 database. Exclusion criteria included the following: additional same-day spine procedures, age less than 18 years, same-day diagnosis of neoplasm, trauma, or infection, prior diagnosis of chronic pain, records active for less than 90 days following surgery, and filled opioid prescription between 7 and 30 days before the surgery. Predictors associated with receiving opioid prescriptions and excess prescribed morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were assessed with multivariable regression analyses. Prescribing patterns over the years were then analyzed with simple linear regression and compared for 2011 and 2021. A total of 271,631 patients met the inclusion criteria. Opioids were prescribed for 195,835 (72.1%) and were independently associated with lower age, female sex, higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and geographic region (P < 0.0001 for each). Greater MMEs were independently prescribed to those who were younger, had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and lived in specific geographic regions (P < 0.0001 for each). The proportion of patients receiving opioid prescriptions slightly increased over time (69.0% in 2011 to 71.0% in 2021), whereas a decrease was observed in median MMEs prescribed (428.9 in 2011 to 225.0 in 2021, P < 0.0001) and mean number of prescriptions filled (3.3 in 2011 and 2.3 in 2021, P < 0.0001). Following lumbar diskectomy, this study found clinical and nonclinical factors to be associated with prescribing opioids and prescribed MME. The decreased MME prescribed over the years was encouraging and the decreased number of prescriptions filled suggests that patients are not needing to return for more prescriptions than prior.

Impact of Intraoperative Opioid Use and a Combined Anesthesia Regimen in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer in a Single-Center Cohort.

Introduction: Higher intraoperative opioid doses may be associated with worse long-term oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the impact of higher doses of intraoperative opioids and type of anesthesia on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and mortality after RP in a high-volume tertiary center. Methods: All patients underwent RP at our center between 2015 and 2021. The role of major intraoperative opioid agents, such as sufentanil remifentanil, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), as well as the type of anesthesia [total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), versus a combination of TIVA and epidural anesthesia, versus solely epidural anesthesia], was assessed in predicting BCR and survival after RP. Results: A total of 1137 patients who had a median age of 66 years (interquartile range: 61-72) were included. Overall, 1062 (93%) patients received TIVA, 37 (3%) received TIVA and epidural anesthesia, and 41 (4%) only epidural anesthesia. At a median follow-up of 431 days (interquartile range: 381-639) from RP, 257 (24%) patients developed a BCR. Accordingly, at a median follow-up of 500 days (interquartile range: 450-750), 33 (2.9%) patients died. The type of anesthesia, as well as the dosage or type of the selected intraoperative opioid agents, did not affect either BCR or long-term overall survival. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intraoperative opioid application during RP has no negative oncological impact in the short and long term in patients with localized prostate cancer. Accordingly, combined TIVA and epidural anesthesia, as well as solely epidural anesthesia were associated with similar short- and long-term outcomes compared to TIVA.

Evaluation of a mobile application to decrease opioid misuse in patients undergoing cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOpioid misuse and addiction are at epidemic levels in the United States. Postoperative opioid prescription is inconsistent and often excessive, including for cesarean section patients. Technology, such as mobile applications and clinical decision support tools, can be used to decrease opioid use and misuse among patients, and to determine more appropriate prescribing practices for specific procedures. The objective of this study was to examine the preliminary impact of the Continuing Precision Medicine (CPM) mobile application to reduce the use of opioid pain medication among women who underwent cesarean section. The primary outcome is morphine milligram equivalents (MME), while the secondary outcomes will be delay to dosages, decrease of usage, and pain scores.MethodsPatients undergoing cesarean section were randomized to either a control group or an experimental group, which used the CPMRx mobile app to help manage postoperative pain. Logistic regression analyses were run to predict opioid misuse by group (control [electronic monitoring blister pack only] versus CPMRx [electronic monitoring blister pack plus mobile application]) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Relative risk (RR) was also estimated by log-binomial regression.ResultsIn phase I, 105 patients were assessed for eligibility, however, 66 were excluded (not meeting criteria or declined to participate). In phase 2, 98 patients were assessed for eligibility, however, 48 were excluded for the aforementioned. Results of the logistic regression showed that opioid misuse differed significantly by group (χ2 = 7.27, p = 0.007) with participants in the CPMRx group experiencing a 92% reduction in odds of opioid misuse compared to blister packs only (OR = 0.08, p = 0.03). Relative risk estimation by log-binomial regression also revealed that patients in the control group were at 7 times higher risk of opioid misuse than those using the CPMRx app (Wald χ2 = 3.82, RR = 7.00, p = 0.05). Among the 21 participants in Phase I who did not misuse their prescription opioids, the average number of pills used was 2.7 (SD = 3.5); 95% of patients used 8 or fewer pills, 90% used 6 or fewer, 75% used 4 or fewer, and half of participants used 1 or fewer opioids.ConclusionsWomen using the CPMRx mobile application were less likely to misuse their prescription opioids during the postoperative period following cesarean section. A prescription of 7 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone may be a more appropriate prescription size among this group. Systematically right-sizing prescriptions, including for subgroups, may decrease both patient- and community-level risk of opioid misuse and reduce public health burden.Trial registrationThe study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05461196, 18/07/2022).

Comparing Ultrasound- and Laparoscopic-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients.

Introduction Obesity is a major disease process in the United States with increasing prevalence and is associated with various comorbid conditions. Bariatric surgery, particularly laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), is an effective weight loss intervention but presents challenges in postoperative pain management. This study compares the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (UTAP) blocks, laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane (LTAP) blocks, and no regional anesthesia on overall opioid use and postoperative outcomes in LSG patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 1,239 obese patients who underwent LSG at a single hospital from January 2019 to June 2023. Patients were categorized into the following three groups: UTAP, LTAP, and no TAP. The primary outcome was the total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) used within the first 24 h and48 h, and the average amount of MME during the hospital stay (all reported in median interquartile ranges). Secondary outcomes included total anesthesia time, postoperative pain scores, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and emergency room visit rates. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple linear regression. Results The UTAP group had significantly lower median MME within the first 24 h(63 MME) compared to the LTAP group (98.8 MME, p<0.0001) and throughout the hospital stay (93 MME vs. 120 MME, p=0.0004). Both UTAP and LTAP groups had significantly lower total MME compared to the no TAP group (p<0.0001 for both). Total anesthesia time was longer for UTAP (98.5 min) compared to LTAP (92.5 min, p=0.0472). LOS was significantly longer in the UTAP group (1.59 days) compared to LTAP (1.18 days, p=0.0061). There were no significant differences in pain scores at various time points or in 30-day readmission and emergency room visit rates between the UTAP and LTAP groups. Conclusion UTAP blocks demonstrated reduced opioid use compared to LTAP and no TAP, likely due to enhanced accuracy with ultrasound guidance. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and refine pain management strategies for bariatric surgery patients.

Trends in Opioid Prescriptions to Opioid-Naïve Patients by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Massachusetts 2012-2022.

Many oral and maxillofacial surgery patients are young, healthy adults who are opioid-naïve. Over-prescribing opioids increases the risk of subsequent misuse and diversion. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare opioid prescriptions to opioid naïve and nonnaïve patients by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Massachusetts from 2012 to2022. This retrospective cohort study used the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program database to identify Schedule II and III opioid prescriptions by providers with specialty of "oral and maxillofacial surgery" from 2012 to2022. The predictor variable is opioid exposure coded as opioid naïve (yes/no). Opioid-naïve status was defined as not having filled an opioid prescription in the prior 12months. The main outcome variable was the quantity of opioid prescribed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons measured using morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per prescription. The secondary outcome was days' supply prescribed. Covariates of the study included patient age and sex. Descriptive statistics and weighted linear regressions were used to analyze differences in MME per prescription and days's supply per prescription to opioid-naïve and nonnaive patients each year and throughout the study period. P<.05 was considered statistically significant. The data included a total of 866,539 prescriptions to 679,616 opioid-naïve patients and 186,923 nonnaïve patients from 2012 to 2022. Compared to nonnaïve patients, the opioid-naïve cohort had a slightly higher proportion of females (P≤.01 except for 2020) and were significantly younger (35.9 vs 47.6yrs, P≤.01 for all years). For every study year, there was no statistically significant difference in mean MME per prescription or days' supply per prescription between opioid-naïve and nonnaïve patients (P>.05 in all years for both variables). MME per prescription (β=-7.22, 95% CI: -7.65, -6.80; R2=0.79) and days' supply per prescription (β=-0.11, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.10; R2=0.78) decreased at a similar rate throughout the study period for both opioid-naïve and nonnaïve patients. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Massachusetts predominantly prescribed opioids to opioid-naïve patients. The quantity and duration of initial prescriptions to opioid-naïve and nonnaïve patients were similar, yet both steadily decreasing, throughout the study period. These trends are encouraging in the context of recent responsible opioid prescribing policy interventions in Massachusetts.

Oxymorphone and Oxycodone Pharmacy Purchases in US Counties: Prelude to the Largest Rural Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outbreak in US History.

The largest rural outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the US was centered in Scott County, Indiana, and linked to injection practices involving the opioid Opana ER (oxymorphone extended release [ER] reformulated). We examined supply trends using pharmacy transactions of Opana ER in Scott and all US counties from January 2007 to December 2019. We calculated the monthly morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of Opana ER (and its competitor OxyContin) in pharmacies using the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) database from the Washington Post. We modeled the MME rate per capita in Scott County and five geographic comparators in seven distinct time periods including the market introduction of abuse deterrent formulations of both drugs and the HIV outbreak period (circa 2014). After Opana ER introduction, transaction rates surged in Scott County, where annual OxyContin MMEs were already seven-fold higher than Indiana overall (CY2009: 46.8 vs. 6.8 MME/pop., respectively). Immediately after OxyContin's reformulation, the Opana ER growth rate in Scott County surpassed all geographic comparators modeled (~27 times faster than the US, 1.28 vs. 0.047 MME/pop/month, respectively). By 2012, prior to the outbreak, MMEs from Opana ER almost perfectly replaced the diminishing OxyContin supply. When Opana ER with INTAC was subsequently introduced, pharmacy transactions declined precipitously by nearly 50%, persisting through the HIV outbreak period and market withdrawal. Opana ER rapidly supplanted OxyContin in a vulnerable population that was at heightened risk for HIV who subsequently faced an immediate supply shock after its reformulation. Pharmacy transactions are critical for suspicious order monitoring and pharmacovigilance by US and international agencies especially during deleterious supply shocks in legal and illicit drug markets.

Perioperative Opioid Use in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Associated with Dose-Dependent Risk of Major Surgical and Medical Complications.

Higher perioperative opioid use has been associated with an increase in periprosthetic joint infection, thromboembolic complications, respiratory events, gastrointestinal complications, cost, and length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty. Limited data exists regarding the relationship between the postoperative opioid dose and complication rates following primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perioperative opioid consumption and postoperative complications following TSA. The Premier Healthcare Database was queried to identify patients who underwent primary anatomic and reverse TSA from 2016-2020. Perioperative opioid consumption was totaled utilizing milligrams of morphine equivalents (MMEs) to stratify patients based on quintiles of consumption. Primary outcomes included total opioid consumption, 90-day postoperative complications, revision, and readmission. 140,251 patients undergoing primary TSA were identified and stratified based on total opioid consumption into quintiles (<22.3, 22.3-25, 25.01-52.5, 52.6-83.3,> 83.3). Patients with increased MME exposure were significantly younger, more often female, and Black (p<0.0001 for all). On multivariate analysis, increased MME exposure was associated with increased risk of multiple surgical complications, including superficial wound infection, PJI, periprosthetic fractures, seroma, loosening, unspecified mechanical complications, and 90-day readmission. Regarding medical complications, rates of postoperative hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism (PE), pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, acute renal failure, and UTI significantly increased upon exposure to higher MMEs. Our study noted that there was a dose dependent increase in the risk of surgical and medical complications with increasing totals of opioid perioperative opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty. Despite controlling for numerous variables, patients with increased opioid requirements in the perioperative period had increased risk of PJI, periprosthetic fracture, loosening, readmission as well as several medical complications such as PE, respiratory failure, and renal failure. Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison using Large Database; Prognosis Study.

Developing and Implementing a Patient-Centered Opioid Prescribing Algorithm among Gynecological Oncology Patients.

Background: The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. However, opioid prescription recommendations have not been established in gynecological oncology, and guidelines that incorporate patient-reported pain are lacking. Objectives: The article aims to evaluate prescribing patterns, utilization, and patient-reported pain control in gynecological oncology patients at a large tertiary academic center. Methods: This was a two-phase, prospective cohort study. For Phase 1, patients undergoing hysterectomy through the gynecological oncology division at the University of New Mexico were enrolled. Postoperative opioid use was collected and standardized to oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). The factors associated with outpatient opioid use were used to develop an opioid prescription algorithm. In Phase 2, we evaluated the implementation of the prescription algorithm. For both phases, patients completed a demographic survey, satisfaction survey, and validated pain questionnaires. Results: In Phase 1, the amount of opioids used was significantly lower than the amount of opioids prescribed. Factors that correlated with postoperative opioid use included surgical procedures and last 24-hour inpatient MME use. A standardized opioid prescription algorithm was developed by incorporating these factors. In Phase 2, the opioid prescribing algorithm there was no significant difference in pain scores between the two phases. Conclusions: Opioids were substantially overprescribed in gynecological oncology patients undergoing hysterectomy. Our study found that the surgical route and last 24-hour MME inpatient usage were reliable predictors of outpatient opioid use. We developed and implemented a standardized opioid prescription algorithm that was validated by comparing the pain control measures in the two phases.

Adding Dexmedetomidine to Methylene Blue in Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Video-Assisted Lobectomy: A Case Series Study.

Thoracic surgery often results in severe chronic postoperative pain. Current evidence favors two locoregional techniques. Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia (TEA), the gold standard, and Thoracic Paravertebral Block (TPVB), which is associated with fewer side effects but is limited by short duration of action of local anesthetics (LA) and potential failure due to improper drug distribution. This study investigates the use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as adjuvant to prolong the effects of LA in TPVB, with methylene blue used for visual confirmation of accurate injectate spread. We observed 6 patients undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) lobectomy who received TPVB with ropivacaine, DEX and methylene blue. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain recorded at 1, 12, 24, 48hours using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); the secondary endpoints were cumulative opioid consumption in the first 24hours in Milligram Morphine Equivalents (MME); adverse events: occurrence of bradycardia, hypotension, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV); length of hospital stay. All patients completed the study. Our results showed optimal pain scores, with NRS scores always below 4, decreased need for opioids, and prolonged analgesia. None of the patients had bradycardia nor PONV, but two patients experienced acute and self-limited hypotension following TPVB. Thoracic Paravertebral Block with Dexmedetomidine and methylene blue was effective and safe in controlling postoperative pain. Methylene blue could help improving knowledge on anesthetics distribution to reduce failure rates.

The Effect of Music on Postoperative Agitation, Pain, and Opioid Use among Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

BackgroundPostoperative pain and agitation is an ongoing issue among patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Use of complementary therapies such as music may improve outcomes when combined with medical therapy. AimThe purpose of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to evaluate postoperative use of classical music among adult patients who have undergone TKR on reported agitation, pain, and opioid use. DesignA prospective evidence-based QI initiative. SettingA midwestern hospital post-anesthesia care unit. ParticipantsPostoperative patients who had undergone TKR. MethodsClassical piano music was played postoperatively using an MP3 device. Adult patients who were undergoing TKR were consecutively offered music during their recovery period in the PACU. Agitation was measured using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Score (RASS). Patient perceived pain was measured on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being extreme pain. Opioid use was measured using the morphine milligram equivalents (MME). FindingsA total of (n=40) patients received music and (n=50) patients received standard care without music. RASS was significantly lower in the music group than in the baseline non-music group X2 (1, N = 89) = 17.8, p < .001. Patient reported pain scores were significantly lower in the music group, 3.98(SD = 2.71), compared to the baseline non-music group, 6.27(SD = 2.60). Opioid use was also significantly decreased in the music group to MME 9.51(SD = 8.62) compared to the baseline non-music group 13.38 (SD = 9.71). ConclusionMusic is an effective nonpharmacologic intervention in decreasing agitation, pain, and opioid use among patients undergoing TKR. These findings provide evidence for nurses to incorporate music as an adjunctive approach to enhance the patient's experience and improve outcomes.

Implementation of a Patient-Specific Opioid Taper Calculator for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Pre-Post Study

BackgroundGiven the association between high opioid use and postoperative complications after total joint arthroplasty, it is important to prescribe opioids responsibly in the postoperative period. While many pain regimen protocols exist to try and limit opioid use, an optimal approach to narcotic prescription for arthroplasty patients is yet to be established. This study evaluated the effects of using an individualized opioid taper calculator for patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that using the calculator would lead to a decrease in the amount and variability of opioids prescribed postoperatively. MethodsAll primary THAs (117 pre- and 105 post-calculator) and TKAs (172 pre- and 139 post-calculator) meeting study inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed at a single academic hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 (pre-calculator) and January 2020 to December 2022 (post-calculator). The primary outcome measure was the quantity of opioids prescribed at discharge in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) between the two groups. Secondary measures included opioid refills, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and emergency department (ED) presentations or clinic calls due to pain. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. ResultsImplementation of the opioid taper calculator resulted in a 40% decrease in the median MME prescribed at discharge for both THA (450 versus 270; P < 0.0001) and TKA (450 versus 270; P < 0.0001) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference within the THA or TKA cohorts when comparing VAS pain scores (THA, three versus four; P = 0.47; TKA; five versus six, P = 0.26), and no increase in percentage of patients who had ED visits (THA, 5.98 versus 0.95%; P = 0.069; TKA, 6.40 versus 11.5%; P = 0.155) or calls to the clinic for pain (THA, 17.1 versus 24.8%; P = 0.186; TKA, 36.6 versus 37.4%; P = 0.906) between the pre-calculator and post-calculator groups. ConclusionsOur findings support the use of a patient-specific opioid taper calculator to decrease the volume and variability of narcotics prescribed postoperatively for THA and TKA pain management. Our findings confirmed the general applicability and effectiveness of the opioid taper calculator outside of its institution of origin.

A Retrospective Study on the Continuation of Buprenorphine in the Perioperative Setting.

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study is to review the 2020 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Guideline for Opioid Use Disorder recommendations to continue buprenorphine perioperatively by evaluating the total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively of patients who continued their buprenorphine therapy to those who discontinued their buprenorphine therapy perioperatively. Methods: This IRB approved study is a multicenter retrospective chart review of 80 surgical inpatients on buprenorphine prior to admission at participating sites from January 2015 to October 2022. The primary outcome is MME administered 24 hours postoperatively in patients who continued buprenorphine perioperatively versus those who discontinued buprenorphine perioperatively. Secondary efficacy outcomes included MME administered 48 and 72 hours postoperatively and daily average pain scores. Safety outcomes included rate of respiratory depression and mortality. Findings: Patients who continued buprenorphine perioperatively required significantly less MME in the first 24 hours postoperatively compared to those who discontinued buprenorphine perioperatively (median [IQR]; 23.25 [6-74.35] vs 93.38 [49.8-156.26]; P < .001). Secondary outcomes of MME administered at 48 hours (10.4 [0-40.5] vs 66.15 [27.94-143.5], P < .001) and 72 hours (0 [0-31.13] vs 66 [22.5-144], P < .001) postoperatively were also significantly less in those whose buprenorphine was continued versus those whose buprenorphine was discontinued perioperatively. Patients whose buprenorphine was continued perioperatively experienced significantly lower average pain scores at 48 (median [IQR]; 4.74 [2.9-7.08] vs 6 [4.93-7.4], P = .028) and 72 hours (3.78 [1.78-5.85] vs 5.75 [4.15-7.45], P = .002) postoperatively. Conclusion: Continuation of buprenorphine in the perioperative setting results in significantly lower utilization of MME in patients whose buprenorphine is continued compared to those whose buprenorphine is discontinued perioperatively.

INVESTIGATION OF GEOSPATIAL DISPARITIES IN CHRONIC PANCREATITIS OUTCOMES.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibro-inflammatory disorder characterized by abdominal pain and exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency resulting in significant morbidity. This study evaluates the impact of geospatial parameters, assessed using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a tool comprising sixteen social attributes, on CP outcomes, including opioid use. We conducted a retrospective analysis of CP patients with available addresses followed at our pancreas center. We reviewed demographics, clinical variables including number of CP flares, local complications, pancreatic function, and healthcare-resource utilization (HRU) including imaging, endoscopic procedures, and surgeries, and outpatient opioid prescriptions measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Regression analysis was performed to assess the association between outcomes and SVI [divided into 4 quartiles (I-IV; IV being most vulnerable]. Among 324 CP patients followed over 8 years, we noted trends of higher dependence on governmental insurance or no insurance among patients in higher SVI quartiles (III/IV vs. I/II) but no differences in demographics, comorbidities, or etiology of CP. In patients residing in more vulnerable SVI quartiles, we noted significantly higher frequency of hospitalizations for CP flares and lower daily MME. Rates of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic dysfunction and HRU were similar across all SVI quartiles. Despite multidisciplinary guideline-based care, residence in the most vulnerable neighborhoods may be associated with less opioid use and more frequent CP flares, suggesting possible inadequate pain control in these patients. These findings should guide prospective investigation of the impact of geospatial social determinants of health in CP and efforts to mitigate the above disparities.

An Analysis of Opioid Consumption and Patient Recovery after Hysterectomy by Surgical Approach.

Background: Minimally invasive hysterectomy is preferred to open hysterectomy due to lower morbidity, but recent data regarding the association of surgical approach with patient recovery and opioid consumption are lacking. Objective: To analyze how postoperative opioid use and return to baseline activity vary by surgical approach for hysterectomy. Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study including hysterectomy patients from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative registry that was linked to the State of Michigan's prescription drug monitoring program. We analyzed two primary outcomes with respect to surgical approach: opioid consumption in the 30 days following surgery, measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and return to baseline activity >4 weeks after surgery. Adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, preoperative opioid use, surgical indication, clinical events at 30 days postoperatively, and surgical approach, we used multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with our primary outcomes. Results: Lower opioid consumption was reported with minimally invasive hysterectomy, with mean postoperative opioid consumption (95% CI) of 32.70 (27.15-38.26) MMEs for vaginal, 39.91 (37.17-42.65) MMEs for laparoscopic, and 54.97 (48.81-61.13) MMEs for open hysterectomy. Other covariates associated with lower opioid consumption included older age and year of surgery in 2019 versus 2018. Predicted probability of return to baseline activities >4 weeks after surgery was 51% (44-57%), 43% (40-45%), and 64% (60-69%) for vaginal, laparoscopic, and open hysterectomy, respectively. Conclusion: Minimally invasive approaches to hysterectomy are associated with lower postoperative opioid consumption and a more rapid recovery relative to open hysterectomy.