Opioid Utilization Research Articles

Impact of an Acute Care Surgery Clinical Pathway on Patient Outcomes in Acute Appendicitis.

Objectives: Acute care surgery (ACS) encompasses surgical critical care, emergency general surgery, and the surgical management of trauma. Following ACS implementation at our institution, we developed a perioperative clinical pathway for acute appendicitis (AA) to improve efficiency and standardize post-operative care. The purpose of our study is to assess patient outcomes utilizing our ACS clinical pathway for patients with AA. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study involving patients admitted to our tertiary care facility with AA who underwent appendectomy. Patients were classified by pre-implementation (January 1, 2016-July 31, 2018) and post-implementation (August 1, 2018-December 31, 2020) of our ACS clinical pathway. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Statistical analysis was performed using SAS with a p-value <0.05 determined as significant. Results: Of the 492 patients included, 225 were in the pre- and 267 were in the post-implementation cohorts. Hospital LOS was substantially decreased in the post-implementation cohort (31.2 vs. 50.4 h, p < 0.001). The post-implementation group had a substantial decrease in computed tomography (CT) to operating room (OR) start time (6.81 vs. 11.4 h, p < 0.001), CT to antibiotic agents' administration (2.20 vs. 3.37 h, p < 0.001), inpatient opioid utilization (125 morphine equivalents [ME] vs. 172 ME, p < 0.001), and discharge antibiotic agents' prescription rates (23.6% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.077). Recovery unit discharges (20 vs. 9%, p < 0.001) were increased in the post-implementation cohort. Conclusion: Our ACS clinical pathway for AA resulted in earlier surgical intervention, enhanced opioid and antimicrobial stewardship, and gains in surgical care efficiencies.

Postoperative analgesic effect of lumbar erector spinae plane block for developmental hip dysplasia surgery: a randomized controlled double-blind study.

Open surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may cause severe pain due to tenotomies and pelvic-femoral osteotomies. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided Lumbar Erector Spina Plane (L-ESP) Block in pediatric patients undergoing DDH surgery. Sixty children scheduled for DDH surgery were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I (n = 30) received L-ESP with 0.5 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine before surgery. In contrast, Group II (n = 30), as the control group, received the same volume of saline injection. Identical postoperative analgesia protocol was adjusted for both groups. Parental satisfaction, pain levels, ibuprofen, and opioid consumption were recorded. Pain levels were evaluated with the FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability) scale. FLACC scores at the first 24th hours were lower in the L-ESP group than the control group (p < 0.001). Rescue opioid utilization was higher in the control group (15/26) than in the L-ESP group (2/29) (p < 0.001). The consumption of ibuprofen was higher in the control group than in the L-ESP group in the ward (24/26 vs. 3/29, p < 0.001, respectively). Parental satisfaction was superior in the L-ESP group (p = 0.024). To provide postoperative analgesia for DDH surgery, ultrasound-guided L-ESP may be an effective and alternative regional anesthetic technique.

Do veterans with risky substance use (RSU) use distinct pain treatment modalities?

Risky substance use (RSU) is common among people with chronic pain and is associated with worse pain treatment outcomes. Nonopioid treatment is recommended, but it is unknown whether people with RSU use different or fewer pain treatment modalities. This study describes use of different pain treatments by veterans with and without RSU and those receiving versus not receiving opioid medication. Veterans (N = 924) who filed service-connected disability claims related to musculoskeletal conditions and rated their pain four or higher on the Numeric Rating Scale, reported on 25 different pain services in the preceding 90 days. Recent RSU was identified via Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Test (ASSIST) cutoffs and/or nail sample toxicology. Overall, RSU was not associated with number of provider-delivered or self-delivered pain modalities. Over-the-counter medications (71%), self-structured exercise (69%), and nonopioid prescription medications (38%) were the most used modalities. Veterans receiving prescribed opioids (8.4%) were more likely to see primary care, receive injections, and attend exercise and/or meditation classes, compared to those without opioid prescriptions. Opioid and nonopioid pain treatment utilization did not differ based on RSU, and those prescribed opioids were more likely to engage in other nonopioid pain treatments. Regardless of RSU, veterans appear willing to try provider-delivered (58%) and self-delivered (79%) pain treatment. In this first-ever evaluation of 25 different pain treatment modalities among veterans with and without RSU, people with RSU did not use less treatment modalities.

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes and Pain Management of Single-Level Lumbar Laminectomy Between Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic, Tubular, and Open Approaches

Objective: While minimally invasive surgical procedures have been shown to reduce postoperative pain and recovery time compared to an open surgical approach, few studies have also compared pain management, particularly involving the use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE). Methods: Patients who underwent single-level laminectomy through a UBE, open, or tubular technique were chart-reviewed for up to 90 days for perioperative outcomes, including opioid and nonopioid utilization. The chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to analyze differences in characteristics and outcomes between groups. The post hoc Tukey test and multinomial regression were conducted when significance was found in initial tests.Results: In total, 184 patients were included in the study (110 open, 44 tubular, 30 UBE). The UBE patients were the oldest. Post hoc analysis showed that UBE and tubular patients had significantly lower blood loss than the open group (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, UBE surgery was associated with significantly longer operative times than both tubular and open surgery (p&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed in complications, 90-day readmissions, or return to the operating room. Postdischarge, patients in the open and tubular groups had higher rates of acetaminophen and cyclobenzaprine prescriptions, respectively, than the UBE group (p&lt;0.05). Postoperative opioid use at 2 weeks significantly differed among groups. When controlling for age and preoperative opioid use, multivariate regression revealed that patients who underwent decompression by UBE had lower odds of postdischarge opioid use at 2 weeks than the open group (53.20% vs. 21.70%; odds ratio [OR], 0.267; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09–0.79; p=0.017) and the tubular group (50.0% vs. 21.70%; OR, 0.268; 95% CI, 0.08–0.91; p=0.038). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for ongoing opioid use at the 6-week and 3-month time points.Conclusions: Patients who underwent UBE had significantly lower odds of postdischarge narcotic use at 2-week follow-up than those undergoing the open and tubular approaches.

Opioid antagonist Utilization Patterns in United States Emergency Department Visit: A Retrospective Study

Opioid antagonist Utilization Patterns in United States Emergency Department Visit: A Retrospective Study

Effect of cannabis use history on postoperative opioid utilization in lumbar fusion patients: an American retrospective study.

A retrospective cohort study. To examine the effect of cannabis use history on postoperative opioid utilization in patients undergoing one- to three-level lumbar fusion for degenerative spine disease. Strategies to minimize dosing and chronic opioid use are needed for spine surgery given their widespread prescription for postsurgical pain management. In this database study, medical coding was used to identify patients who had undergone one- to three-level lumbar fusions between 2012 and 2021. Propensity score matching was used to create two equal cohorts with respect to cannabis use history. Opioid utilization rates (morphine milligram equivalents [MME]/day) and overuse rates at 6 months post-index procedure were assessed. All pvalues <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Following examination of 153,500 patient records, 1,216 patients were matched into cannabis user and non-cannabis user cohorts. Cannabis users had lower rates of opioid utilization compared to non-cannabis users as early as 2 months after fusion (47.7% vs. 41.1%, p <0.05), a relationship which persisted at 6 months (46.2% vs. 37.7%, p <0.01). Additionally, cannabis users had lower rates of high-dose opioid utilization (≥100 MME per day) during the initial 14-30 days following surgery (6.91% vs. 3.79%, p <0.05). Patients with a history of cannabis use were less likely to be using opioids as early as 2 months postoperatively and had lower rates of high-dose opioid utilization in the immediate postoperative period. Physicians operating on these patients should consider their cannabis use patterns to provide appropriate titration of pain medication over time.

Robotic-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Approach for Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis in Children.

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) is the standard of care for patients requiring cholecystectomy in the acute setting. Although robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RA-C) performance has increased, utilization in the acute setting has not been widely reported. We describe the feasibility of RA-C for pediatric patients undergoing acute inpatient cholecystectomy. Methods: A single institutional retrospective review of patients receiving RA-C while admitted for acute cholecystitis and/or choledocholithiasis (June 2017-June 2022) was compared with a matched cohort who underwent traditional multiport Lap-C (June 2021-June 2022). Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients were included: 25 each in the RA-C and Lap-C groups. Fifty-four percent were female; 66% were non-Hispanic white. Median age (15.7 years [interquartile range, IQR 14.7, 17.3] versus 15.3 years [IQR 14.5, 16.9], P = .91) and preoperative weight (92.6 kg [IQR 60, 105.9] versus 72.3 kg [IQR 61.6, 85.6], P = .15) were similar between the RA-C and Lap-C groups, respectively. No differences were observed in median operating time (89 minutes [IQR 76, 103] versus 88 minutes [IQR 77, 137], P = .70), postoperative length of stay (22.5 hours [21.4, 24.9] versus 20.6 hours [18.0, 25.1], P = .06), or 30-day complications (12% versus 16%, P = .69). Although opioid utilization (.23 milliequivalents/kilogram [MME/kg] [IQR .03, .30] versus .03 MME/kg [0, .09], P = .02) was higher in the RA-C cohort overall, no differences were detected during an analysis of the most recent 2 years (P = .96). Conclusion: RA-C in the acute setting can be performed safely in the pediatric population with comparable procedural times as well as perioperative and 30-day outcomes.

Scheduled intravenous ketorolac is safe and reduces narcotic use after robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy.

We sought to examine whether scheduled intravenous (IV) ketorolac decreased post-operative narcotic utilization and changed peri-operative outcomes (including complications) in patients undergoing robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). An IRB-approved, retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing RASP at a single institution from November 2017 to July 2019. Patient demographic, peri-operative, and post-operative data, including morphine equivalent use (MEU), were collected. Scheduled ketorolac use was implemented at the surgeon's discretion for up to 5days post-operatively. The primary outcome was MEU in the post-operative stay. Two hundred seven men underwent RASP during the study period, of which 143 (69%) received scheduled ketorolac. No differences in patient demographics, prostate size, prior opioid utilization, or operative characteristics were identified between groups. Median MEU was significant less (5 vs 15, p < 0.001) in patients receiving scheduled ketorolac. Significantly more patients receiving scheduled ketorolac did not require the use of any narcotic during hospitalization (30% vs 11%, p = 0.005). On multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, BMI, prior opioid use, and length of stay, ketorolac use independently associated with decreased narcotic use (p = 0.003). No significant difference in transfusion rates were identified (3.5% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.44). Scheduled ketorolac is effective in reducing post-operative, in-hospital opioid utilization without increasing morbidity after RASP. Almost a third of patients on scheduled ketorolac did not require any opioids post-operatively.

Effect of cryoablation in Nuss bar placement on opioid utilization and length of stay.

Our institution recently transitioned from paravertebral nerve blocks (PVBs) to intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC) for pain control following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). This study aimed to determine how INC affected the operative time, length of stay, complication rates, inpatient opioid use, and outpatient prescription of opioids at a single center. A retrospective review was performed at a single pediatric referral center of all patients who underwent MIRPE between 2018 and 2023. Patient demographics, operative details, and perioperative course were collected. The use of INC versus PVB was recorded. Univariate analyses were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables and chi-squared tests for categorical variables. 255 patients were included with a median age of 15years, median BMI of 18.50kg/m2, and median Haller index of 4.40. INC was utilized in 41% (105/255), and 59% (150/255) received PVB. The two groups did not differ significantly in BMI, Haller index, or complications, though the INC patients were older by 1year (15.0 vs. 16.0, p = 0.034). INC was associated with an increased operative time (INC: 92min vs. PVB: 67min, p < 0.001), decreased length of stay (3 vs. 4days, p = < 0.001), more than twofold decrease in inpatient opioids per day (INC: 16 MME vs. PVB: 41 MME, p < 0.001), and a fourfold decrease in the amount of opioids prescribed at discharge (INC: 90 MME vs. PVB: 390 MME, p < 0.001). INC after MIRPE significantly decreased both the inpatient opioid utilization and our outpatient prescribing practices while also decreasing our overall length of stay without increasing complications. Level III.

Beyond the pain: Decoding opioid use in advanced cancer ED visits.

298 Background: Patients with advanced cancer often turn to the emergency department (ED) for pain treatment, impacting their quality of life and escalating healthcare costs. A crucial step in reducing avoidable ED visits and maintaining patient safety is to identify the characteristics of this patient group and explore potential intervention points. This study aims to characterize the use of narcotics in the ED among patients with advanced cancer. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study at Kaiser Permanente Northern California involved adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with Stage IV solid cancers between 2018 to 2020, who had at least one ED visit and passed away within one year (excluding those who died within 30 days). Demographics, clinical variables, frequencies, and trends in ED visits were collected and compared based on opioid utilization. Results: The study encompassed 2,554 patients with 6,406 ED visits in their final year of life. Sixty-one percent of these patients received opioids during their ED visits, with a median of three visits per patient. Pain scores taken at triage of these visits showed 23% reported severe pain, 23% moderate pain, and 7% mild pain. In 56% of visits, patients had filled an opioid prescription within the last 30 days. Morphine (39%) and hydromorphone (29%) were the most commonly administered opioids, primarily intravenously (66%). The prevalent cancer subtypes receiving opioids during ED visits were breast, head and neck, and upper GI. Among patients who received chemo or radiation, 65% received opioids during ED visits, compared to the 55% of patients not in treatment. For treated patients, chemotherapy was associated with increased ED visits requiring opioid pain management. Median survival did not differ significantly between those who received opioids during ED visits (130 days) and those who did not (123 days). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the dynamic pain needs of patients with cancer at the end of life driving utilization of emergency care. Factors influencing these needs include cancer subtype and current treatment status, particularly chemotherapy. Further studies are essential to enable providers to better recognize cancer pain and to improve patient safety by addressing changes in patients' pain requirements outside the emergency setting.

Exploring Disparities in Opioid Utilization: An Analysis Comparing Red River Métis to All Other Manitobans

Objective and ApproachTo address the opioid crisis within the Red River Métis (RRM) Community, understanding opioid use is crucial to empower regional health authorities to adapt health programs, services, and policies to meet their unique needs effectively. The investigation utilized focus groups with a Community-Based Participatory Research and Collective Consensual Data Analytics Procedure (CBPR/CCDAP) approach. Additionally, a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study for fiscal years 2006/07–2018/19 was conducted using administrative data from a population research data repository. Rates of prescription opioid dispensing (RPOD) and mean morphine equivalents (MEQ) were compared between RRM and all other Manitobans (AOM) aged 10 years or older. ResultsThe rate of prescription opioid dispensing and MEQ/person were found to be consistently higher among RRM compared to AOM in each study year (p &lt; 0.001). While the RPOD declined among AOM over the study period, it did not change among RRM. Key findings revealed RRM were concerned about how opioids impacted their communities, and felt the need for increased addiction treatment resources, including Red River Métis culture-specific programs. ConclusionThe evidence demonstrates higher RPOD and MEQ among RRM compared to AOM, suggesting elevated risk of opioid-related harms. Focus group feedback reinforces the need for tailored interventions. ImplicationsFuture policies and programs targeting the opioid crisis should prioritize the unique needs of populations like the RRM, requiring tailored, culturally appropriate interventions for effective crisis management.

Increasing Caudal Block Utilization to Promote Opioid Stewardship in the NICU Population: A Quality Improvement Project

BackgroundRegional anesthetic techniques are safe and effective in reducing pain and the need for opioid analgesia but may be underutilized in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. We developed an opioid stewardship pathway aimed at reducing the use of opioid analgesia in neonates by increasing caudal block utilization from a baseline of 50%–90% within 18 months. MethodsWe used control charts to track intra-operative opioid utilization in morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (MME/kg) and immediate post-operative extubation rates. Unrelieved pain (defined as two consecutive Neonatal Pain, Agitation & Sedation Scale (NPASS) scores >/ = 4), post-operative opioid use, and reintubation within 24 h were tracked as balancing measures. We ran sample statistical analysis comparing the outcome and balancing measures in surgeries with and without caudal block. ResultsThere were 125 surgeries in the pre-intervention and 48 in the post-intervention group. Caudal block utilization increased to 63%, while intra-operative opioid utilization decreased (0.230 vs 0.416 MME/kg), and extubation rates increased (75% vs 70%). There were no increases in unrelieved pain or post-operative opioid utilization. Caudal block was associated with decreased intra-operative opioid use (0.000 vs 0.366 MME/kg, p < 0.001) and increased extubation rates (83% vs. 59%, p < 0.001) with no increase in unrelieved pain (23% vs. 22%, p = 0.75) or post-operative opioid use (0.151 vs 0.000 MME/kg, p = 0.35). No patients required reintubation within 24 h. ConclusionThe modest increase in caudal block utilization is associated with a reduction in intraoperative opioid use and increased postoperative extubation rates without compromising pain control. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Gabapentinoid prescribing patterns and predictors utilizing neural networks: An analysis across emergency departments Nationwide between 2012 and 2021

BackgroundGabapentinoids increasingly utilized for neuropathic pain, possibly to curb opioid prescribing. At the same time, data suggest subsequent increases in misuse and overdose of gabapentinoids, often in mixed overdoses. We sought to determine national trends and characteristics of gabapentinoid prescribing, including co-use with opioids, from the emergency department (ED). MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2012 to 2021. Our primary outcome was the trend in ED visits in which gabapentinoids were prescribed at discharge. Secondarily, we identified trends in gabapentinoid and opioid co-prescribing and gabapentin and pregabalin prescribing at ED discharge. We examined demographic data and used descriptive statistics, Shapiro Wilke's test, Pearson's Spearman's rho (SR) or Pearson's correlation coefficient (PC) as applicable. Neural networks were used to identify the most important predictors of opioid utilization during the same visit. ResultsBetween 2012 and 2021, there were an estimated 7,242,694 (0.53% of all ED visits) visits in which gabapentinoids were prescribed at ED discharge. Prescriptions increased from a total of 138,479 (0.1%) in 2012 to 893,495 (0.63%) in 2021 (PC: 0.85, p < 0.001). Opioids were co-prescribed in 27.2% of all visits in which gabapentinoids were prescribed, with no change over time (PC: −0.47, p = 0.09). Pregabalin prescription increased linearly over time (PC: 0.64, p = 0.02).The most important predictors of opioid administration or co-prescribing were whether an alternative provider (e.g., consult or nurse practitioner) saw the patient (100%), insurance (94.4%), age (75.9%), and region (75.2%). ConclusionDespite an association of misuse and overdose, often associated with opioids, gabapentinoids were increasingly prescribed at ED discharge. While these agents may be safer alternatives to opioids, misuse may be an associated consequence of increased prescribing, which warrants further investigation.

Surgeon Prescribing Patterns And Perioperative Risk Factors Associated With Prolonged Opioid Use After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

The opioid epidemic in the United States has contributed to a notable economic burden and increased mortality. Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has become more prevalent, and opioids are commonly used for postoperative pain management. Prolonged opioid use has been associated with adverse outcomes, but the role of surgeons in this context remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of prolonged opioid utilization after primary TSA. After obtaining institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of 4,488 primary total shoulder arthroplasties from 2014 to 2022 at a single academic institution was conducted. Patients were stratified by preoperative and postoperative opioid use, and demographic, clinical, and prescription data were collected. Prescriptions filled beyond 30 days after the index operation were considered prolonged use. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors associated with prolonged opioid utilization. Among 4,488 patients undergoing primary TSA, 22% of patients developed prolonged opioid use with 70% of prolonged users being opioid-exposed preoperatively. Independent risk factors of prolonged use include patient age younger than 65 years (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.02, P < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.41, P < 0.001), race other than Caucasian (OR 1.36, P = 0.003), undergoing reverse TSA (OR 1.28, P = 0.010), residing in an urban community (OR 1.33, P = 0.039), preoperative opioid utilization (OR 6.41, P < 0.001), preoperative benzodiazepine utilization (OR 1.93, P < 0.001), and increased postoperative day 1-30 milligram morphine equivalent (OR 1.003, P < 0.001). Nearly 22% of patients experienced prolonged opioid use, with preoperative opioid exposure being the most notable risk factor in addition to postoperative prescribing patterns and benzodiazepine utilization. Surgeons play a crucial role in opioid management, and understanding the risk factors can help optimize benefits while minimizing the associated risks of prolonged opioid use. Additional research is needed to establish standardized definitions and strategies for safe opioid use in orthopaedic surgery.

The prevalence and predictors of discharge opioid overprescribing in opioid-naïve patients after breast, gynecologic, and head and neck cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study.

The management of pain following cancer-related surgeries involves the use of opioid analgesics. Nevertheless, there is little evidence characterizing the utility and prescription patterns of opioids after these procedures. Our primary aim was to identify patients from three types of cancer surgery who were overprescribed with opioids. The secondary aim was to determine the potential predictors of overprescribing in the same period. We conducted the study at a single cancer referral hospital. Opioid-naïve patients with breast, gynecologic, or head and neck cancer were studied. Patients were considered opioid-naïve if they had a history of opioid use ≤ 30mg oral morphine equivalent daily dose for less than seven days in the preceding three months before surgery. We recruited eligible participants by convenience sampling on the wards until at least 102 patients were included in the final analysis. After discharge, we followed up on the participants on day 7 via telephone using a structured proforma including questions to identify the last date and amount of opioid dose taken. The equivalent days of opioid use were calculated by their 24-hr use before discharge and the number of doses prescribed for discharge. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of overprescribing in the three surgical specialties defined as the number of patients taking less than 50% of discharge opioids within the first seven days after discharge. We examined the predictors on incidents of overprescribing using multivariable Poisson regression as the secondary outcome. We recruited 119 patients, and 107 patients were included in the final analysis. There were 59/107 (55%) patients found to be overprescribed with opioids. At discharge, they exhibited lower mean numerical rating scale pain scores, lower mean pain severity scores, higher equivalent days of opioids prescribed, and not used opioids in the last 24hr before discharge. The incidence of overprescribing was 2.4 times greater for patients prescribed with opioids without 24-hr opioid use (relative risk [RR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 4.35; P = 0.005). Similarly, the incidence of overprescribing was 1.7 times greater for patients who had opioids 24hr before discharge and were supplied with opioids for five equivalent days or more at the time of discharge (RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.56; P = 0.02). Our study shows that the majority of recruited patients undergoing breast, gynecologic, or head and neck cancer surgery were overprescribed opioids. Individualized assessments on patients' 24-hr opioid requirements before discharge and supplying for less than five days are important considerations to reduce overprescribing in opioid-naïve patients after cancer surgery.

Self-defined former smokers consume the highest opioid quantities following knee and shoulder arthroscopy.

To identify risk factors associated with increased postoperative opioid consumption and inferior pain outcomes following knee and shoulder arthroscopy. Using the data set from the NonOpioid Prescriptions after Arthroscopic Surgery in Canada (NO PAin) trial, eight prognostic factors were chosen a priori to evaluate their effect on opioid consumption and patient-reported pain following arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery. The primary outcome was the number of oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) consumed at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcome was patient-reported postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. A multivariable linear regression was used to analyse these outcomes with eight prognostic factors as independent variables. Tobacco usage was significantly associated with higher opioid usage at 2 (p < 0.001) and 6 weeks (p = 0.02) postoperatively. Former tobacco users had a higher 2-week (p = 0.002) and cumulative OME (p = 0.002) consumption compared to current and nonsmokers. Patients with a higher number of comorbidities (p = 0.006) and those who were employed (p = 0.006) reported higher pain scores at 6 weeks. Patients in the 'not employed/other' category had significantly lower pain scores at 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.046). Former smoking status was significantly associated with increased post-operative opioid consumption following knee and shoulder arthroscopy at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Increased pain was found to be significantly associated with employment status and an increasing number of comorbidities at 6 weeks postoperatively. These findings can aid clinicians in identifying and mitigating increased opioid utilization as well as worse pain outcomes in high-risk patient populations. Level III, cohort study.

Estimating price elasticities of demand for pain relief drugs: evidence from Medicare Part D.

Overdose deaths from prescription opioids remain elevated, and policymakers seek solutions to curb opioid misuse. Recent proposals call for price-based solutions, such as opioid taxes and removal of opioids from insurance formularies. However, there is limited evidence on how opioid consumption responds to price stimuli. This study addresses that gap by estimating the effects of prices on the utilization of opioids, as well as other prescription painkillers. I use nationally representative individual-level data on prescription drug purchases and exploit the introduction of Medicare Part D in 2006 as an exogenous change in out-of-pocket drug prices. I find that new users have a relatively high price elasticity of demand for prescription opioids, and that consumers treat over-the-counter painkillers as substitutes for prescription painkillers. My results suggest that increasing out-of-pocket prices of opioids, through formulary design or taxes, may be effective in reducing new opioid use.

A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Opioid Disposal Instructions with Parental Education on Proper Opioid Disposal Rates Following Ambulatory Pediatric Urologic Surgery

ObjectivesTo determine if the administration of standardized opioid disposal instructions with focused parental education improves proper disposal of leftover opioid medication among families of children undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery compared to routine postoperative instructions. MethodsA prospective, double-blinded, single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in children 6-18y undergoing ambulatory urology procedures between October 2021-April 2023. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opioid disposal best practices worksheet plus nursing parental education or routine postoperative instructions alone. All patients were prescribed acetaminophen and ibuprofen and a per-protocol rescue opioid prescription. The primary outcome was rate of proper opioid disposal at 10-14d post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included parents postoperative pain measure (PPPM) scores, numerical pain scale (NPS) scores, and weight-based opioid utilization at 48h and 10-14d. ResultsWe randomized 104 participants (53 intervention, 51 control) with 97% (101/104) complete follow-up data at 10-14d. Patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and analgesia use were similar between groups. We observed no significant difference in proper opioid disposal rates between arms (31% intervention vs. 18% control; estimated difference in proportion 13% [95% CI, -4–29%]; p=0.1). There was no increased odds of proper disposal of leftover opioid medication at 10-14d with the intervention compared to the control (OR 2.0 [95% CI 0.8–5.1]; p=0.1). We observed no differences in PPPM scores, NPS scores, or opioid utilization at 48h or 10-14d. ConclusionsProviding formal opioid disposal instructions with parental education did not improve proper disposal of leftover opioid medication nor did it alter post-discharge opioid utilization after pediatric urologic surgery.

Association Between Low-Dose Ketamine After Periacetabular and/or Femoral Osteotomy and Postoperative Opioid Requirements.

Previous studies have sought to determine the effect of inpatient ketamine therapy on postoperative pain in a variety of surgical specialties. To determine the effects of postoperative ketamine analgesia after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and/or derotational femoral osteotomy (DFO) on opioid requirements, pain, and discharge time. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Prospective data were collected on 145 patients who underwent PAO and/or DFO by the senior author between January 2021 and December 2022. Hip arthroscopy was performed 3 to 10 days before addressing any intra-articular pathology. In 2021, patients (n = 91 procedures; control group) received a traditional postoperative multimodal pain regimen. In 2022, postoperative low-dose ketamine (0.1-1 mg/kg/h) was added to the multimodal analgesic approach until 24 hours before discharge (n = 81 procedures; ketamine group). The ketamine and control groups were matched based on procedure type. Total opioid consumption was collected using milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for both groups. Postoperative pain was measured using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS), which was analyzed as the mean score per day. Data on the mean MME and DVPRS were analyzed for up to 7 days postoperatively. Linear mixed statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of low-dose postoperative ketamine on postoperative pain and opioid utilization. Patients who did not receive ketamine after PAO and/or DFO utilized a mean of 181 ± 335 MMEs and had a mean DVPRS score of 4.18 ± 1.63. Patients who received postoperative ketamine required a mean of 119 ± 291 MMEs and had a mean DVPRS score of 4.34 ± 1.61. The ketamine group was found to consume a significantly lower total MME dose per day (P < .001). No significant difference was found in the mean DVPRS score between the ketamine and control groups (P = .42). Also, no significant difference was found on the day of discharge (P = .79). Patients who received postoperative ketamine after PAO and/or DFO had a significant decrease in MME dose when compared with a control group of patients who did not receive ketamine. Surgeons should consider adding ketamine to their postoperative multimodal pain control protocol to decrease opioid consumption while adequately addressing postoperative pain.

Differences in Acute Postoperative Opioid Use by English Proficiency, Race, and Ethnicity After Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

There is increasing interest in documenting disparities in pain management for racial and ethnic minorities and patients with language barriers. Previous studies have found differential prescription patterns of opioids for racial and ethnic minority group and patients having limited English proficiency (LEP) after arthroplasty. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding how the intersection of these sociodemographic factors is associated with immediate postoperative pain management. This study aimed to explore language and racial-ethnic disparities in short-term opioid utilization after total hip and knee arthroplasty. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasty from 2015 to 2019 at an urban medical center. The primary predictor variables included LEP status and racial-ethnic category, and the primary outcome variables were oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) during 2 distinct postoperative periods: the first 12 hours after surgery and from the end of surgery to the end of postoperative day (POD) 1. Patient characteristics and perioperative metrics were described by language status, race, and ethnicity using nonparametric tests, as appropriate. We performed an adjusted generalized estimating equation to assess the total effect of the intersection of LEP and racial-ethnic categories on short-term postoperative opioid use in mean ratios (MRs). This study included a total of 4090 observations, in which 7.9% (323) patients had LEP. Patients reported various racial-ethnic categories, with 72.7% (2975) non-Hispanic White, and minority groups including non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Hispanic/Latinx, non-Hispanic Black/African American, and Others. Patients self-identifying as non-Hispanic AAPI received fewer OME regardless of LEP status during the first 12 hours postoperatively (MR for English proficient [EP], 0.12 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.08-0.18]; MR for LEP, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.13-0.37]) and from end of surgery to the end of POD 1 (MR for EP, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.16-0.37]; MR for LEP, 0.42, [95% CI, 0.24-0.73]) than EP non-Hispanic White. Hispanic/Latinx patients with LEP received lower amounts of OME during the first postoperative 12 hours (MR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.17-0.53) and from end of surgery to the end of POD 1 (MR, 0.42; 95% CI 0.23-0.79) than EP non-Hispanic White. Furthermore, within the non-Hispanic White group, those with LEP received fewer OME within the first 12 hours (MR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13-0.83). We identified an association between LEP, racial-ethnic identity, and short-term postoperative OME utilization after total knee and hip arthroplasty. The observed differences in opioid utilization imply there may be language and racial-ethnic disparities in acute pain management and perioperative care.