Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use Research Articles

Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine during surgery under general anaesthesia on patient-centred outcomes: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionDexmedetomidine is a promising pharmaceutical strategy to minimise opioid use during surgery. Despite its growing use, it is uncertain whether dexmedetomidine can improve patient-centred outcomes such as quality of recovery...

Prevalence and determinants of chronic pain and persistent opioid use after surgery: A review of systematic reviews.

Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) are inconsistently defined in published literature. This review comprehensively summarised their definitions, prevalence and determinants from existing systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses evaluating the prevalence of CPSP and PPOU in adults after surgeries were retrieved from an electronic database search applying structured search strategies in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to 31 December 2022. Two reviewers selected systematic reviews, extracted data regarding the definition, prevalence and risk factors of CPSP and PPOU and assessed the quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The study identified 6936 records related to chronic pain and persistent opioid use in patients after surgery, of which 24 articles were identified for full-text review. Eighteen systematic reviews were included in this umbrella review, of which five systematic reviews assessed chronic pain in patients who had undergone a surgical procedure, and 13 reviews assessed persistent opioid use after surgery. Despite considerable variations in patient characteristics (from age ≥18years), types of surgeries, follow-up duration and the definitions of measures, most reviews were of medium to good quality (fulfilled 9-11/16 AMSTAR 2 criteria). The prevalence of CPSP and PPOU, commonly synthesised at 3, 6 or 12months after surgeries, varied from 5%-58% and 2%-65%, respectively, despite various terminologies, definitions and timing of measures and associated determinants. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in CPSP was obtainable for four surgeries, with 9%-74%. To inform future practice and policy to optimise pain management and opioid safety, consensus on standardising measurements and further studies assessing risk factors associated with CPSP, PPOU and adverse outcomes are needed.

Preoperative Versus Perioperative Risk Factors for Delayed Pain and Opioid Cessation After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The evolution of pre- versus postoperative risk factors remains unknown in the development of persistent postoperative pain and opioid use. We identified preoperative versus comprehensive perioperative models of delayed pain and opioid cessation after total joint arthroplasty including time-varying postoperative changes in emotional distress. We hypothesized that time-varying longitudinal measures of postoperative psychological distress, as well as pre- and postoperative use of opioids would be the most significant risk factors for both outcomes. A prospective cohort of 188 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty at Stanford Hospital completed baseline pain, opioid use, and emotional distress assessments. After surgery, a modified Brief Pain Inventory was assessed daily for 3months, weekly thereafter up to 6months, and monthly thereafter up to 1year. Emotional distress and pain catastrophizing were assessed weekly to 6months, then monthly thereafter. Stepwise multivariate time-varying Cox regression modeled preoperative variables alone, followed by all perioperative variables (before and after surgery) with time to postoperative opioid and pain cessation. The median time to opioid and pain cessation was 54 and 152days, respectively. Preoperative total daily oral morphine equivalent use (hazard ratio-HR 0.97; 95% confidence interval-CI 0.96-0.98) was significantly associated with delayed postoperative opioid cessation in the perioperative model. In contrast, time-varying postoperative factors: elevated PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) depression scores (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.98), and higher Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75-0.97) were independently associated with delayed postoperative pain resolution in the perioperative model. These findings highlight preoperative opioid use as a key determinant of delayed postoperative opioid cessation, while postoperative elevations in depressive symptoms and pain catastrophizing are associated with persistent pain after total joint arthroplasty providing the rationale for continued risk stratification before and after surgery to identify patients at highest risk for these distinct outcomes. Interventions targeting these perioperative risk factors may prevent prolonged postoperative pain and opioid use.

Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: History and Perioperative Considerations From the Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are on the rise in children and young adults in the United States. According to reports, over 40 million people aged 12 and older had a diagnosed SUD in 2020.1 A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that overdose death in children aged 10 to 19 years old increased 109% from 2019 to 2021.2 Given the rapidly increasing prevalence of SUD, anesthesiologists will almost certainly encounter children, adolescents, and young adults with a history of recreational drug use or nonmedical use of prescription opioids in the perioperative period. Since the perioperative period can be a particularly challenging time for patients with SUD, anesthesiologists can tailor their perioperative care to reduce rates of relapse and can serve as both advocates and educators for this vulnerable patient population. This article examines the history of SUD and physiology of substance use in children, adolescents, and young adults, including reasons why young people are more susceptible to the addictive effects of many substances. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted many aspects of life, including increased social isolation and shifted dynamics at home, both thought to impact substance use.3 Substance use patterns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are explored. Although current literature is mostly on adults, the evidence-based medical treatments for patients with SUD are reviewed, and recommendations for perioperative considerations are suggested. The emphasis of this review is on opioid use disorder, cannabis, and vaping particularly because these have disproportionately affected the younger population. The article provides recommendations and resources for recognizing and treating adolescents and young adults at risk for SUD in the perioperative period. It also provides suggestions to reduce new persistent postoperative opioid use.

Tracking persistent postoperative opioid use: a proof-of-concept study demonstrating a use case for natural language processing

BackgroundLarge language models have been gaining tremendous popularity since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022. Perioperative pain providers should leverage natural language processing (NLP) technology and explore pertinent use...

Risks and benefits of oral modified-release compared with oral immediate-release opioid use after surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prescription of modified-release opioids for acute postoperative pain is widespread despite evidence to show their use may be associated with an increased risk of adverse effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of modified-release, compared with immediate-release, oral opioids for postoperative pain in adults. We searched five electronic databases from 1 January 2003 to 1 January 2023. Published randomised clinical trials and observational studies on adults who underwent surgery which compared those who received oral modified-release opioids postoperatively with those receiving oral immediate-release opioids were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data on the primary outcomes of safety (incidence of adverse events) and efficacy (pain intensity, analgesic and opioid use, and physical function) and secondary outcomes (length of hospital stay, hospital readmission, psychological function, costs, and quality of life) up to 12 months postoperatively. Of the eight articles included, five were randomised clinical trials and three were observational studies. The overall quality of evidence was low. Modified-release opioid use was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events (n = 645, odds ratio (95%CI) 2.76 (1.52-5.04)) and worse pain (n = 550, standardised mean difference (95%CI) 0.2 (0.04-0.37)) compared with immediate-release opioid use following surgery. Our narrative synthesis concluded that modified-release opioids showed no superiority over immediate-release opioids for analgesic consumption, length of hospital stay, hospital readmissions or physical function after surgery. One study showed that modified-release opioid use is associated with higher rates of persistent postoperative opioid use compared with immediate-release opioid use. None of the included studies reported on psychological function, costs or quality of life.

(011) Using Pre-Operative Low Intensity Vestibular Shockwave Therapy Reduces Opioid Use Post-Vestibulectomy

Abstract Introduction Surgeons performing complete vestibulectomy for neuro-proliferative vestibulodynia need to consider two competing post-operative interests: accomplishing acute pain relief in the early postoperative period; reducing risks of persistent post-operative opioid use. Data support that measures to decrease overall post-operative opioid use will decrease future opioid-related adverse events including opioid abuse and addiction. Sexual medicine providers are thus motivated to identify strategies such as pre-operative low intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) to decrease opioid use in these vestibulectomy patients. To date, only one study has been published assessing the effect of pre-operative LISWT on surgical outcome. Dumfarth at al reported in a prospective randomized study that pre-operative LISWT significantly improved lower extremity wound healing compared to controls in patients undergoing vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. While Dumfarth et al did not directly assess post-operative pain, pre-operative LISWT was associated with statistically significantly increased satisfactory healing, reduced disturbance of healing and reduced minor skin infections, all consistent with less post-operative pain. It was hypothesized that pre-operative LISWT improved wound healing via enhanced blood supply and angiogenesis through expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthesis, and via anti-inflammatory action downregulating necrosis factor B activation thereby lowering inflammatory cytokines. Objectives We wished to see if pre-operative LISWT would reduce opioid use in women undergoing complete vestibulectomy. The objective of this study was to compare the use of opioids following vestibulectomy when LISWT with Urogold 100™ MTS was applied just prior to surgery versus no shockwave. LISWT is a non-invasive, non-pharmacologic, non-surgical treatment strategy with low morbidity that is FDA-cleared for pain amelioration in the US as non-significant risk in humans, Urogold 100™MTS provides unfocused electrohydraulic shockwaves with a unique parabolic reflector. Methods Patients scheduled for surgery were required to present to the hospital 4 days before surgery for a COVID-19 test. On that day and each subsequent day until surgery, based on the patient’s availability, the patient presented to the office for approximately 2400 shocks to the vestibule. This is a descriptive study of the patients’ post-operative experiences with pain. Results To date 4 women have undergone LISWT just prior to surgery. At the time of surgery Exparel was delivered to the site, allowing them 24-36 hours of anesthesia to the area so they could travel home easily. Patients were prescribed Percocet to be take every 4 hours as needed. Post-op patients routinely use this opioid 4-6 times a day for multiple days, causing constipation among the many side effects. The women who underwent LISWT immediately prior to surgery have experienced decreased levels of pain post-operatively such that they are using ½ tab of Percocet at bedtime or twice a day, thus decreasing opioid use with all of its potential side effects. Conclusions Performing LISWT using Urogold 100™MTS may reduce the need for opioid medications after total vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap as it may mediate pain after the surgical procedure. Disclosure No.

Predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use following colectomy: a population-based cohort study from England.

This retrospective cohort study on adults undergoing colectomy from 2010 to 2019 used linked primary (Clinical Practice Research Datalink), and secondary (Hospital Episode Statistics) care data to determine the prevalence of persistent postoperative opioid use following colectomy, stratified by pre-admission opioid exposure, and identify associated predictors. Based on pre-admission opioid exposure, patients were categorised as opioid-naïve, currently exposed (opioid prescription 0-6 months before admission) and previously exposed (opioid prescription within 7-12 months before admission). Persistent postoperative opioid use was defined as requiring an opioid prescription within 90 days of discharge, along with one or more opioid prescriptions 91-180 days after hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to obtain odds ratios for predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use. Among the 93,262 patients, 15,081 (16.2%) were issued at least one opioid prescription within 90 days of discharge. Of these, 6791 (45.0%) were opioid-naïve, 7528 (49.9%) were currently exposed and 762 (5.0%) were previously exposed. From the whole cohort, 7540 (8.1%) developed persistent postoperative opioid use. Patients with pre-operative opioid exposure had the highest persistent use: 5317 (40.4%) from the currently exposed group; 305 (9.8%) from the previously exposed group; and 1918 (2.5%) from the opioid-naïve group. The odds of developing persistent opioid use were higher among individuals who used long-acting opioid formulations in the 180 days before colectomy than those who used short-acting formulations (odds ratio 3.41 (95%CI 3.07-3.77)). Predictors of persistent opioid use included: previous opioid exposure; high deprivation index; multiple comorbidities; use of long-acting opioids; white race; and open surgery. Minimally invasive surgical approaches were associated with lower odds of persistent opioid use and may represent a modifiable risk factor.

Considerations for perioperative opioid analgesic stewardship in Australia: a focus on tapentadol.

Opioid-related harm remains a serious public health issue in Australia, where there is a strong focus on judicious use of opioids to optimize postoperative patient outcomes. The risks associated with preoperative opioid use (worsened postoperative pain, surgical outcomes, increased length of stay and financial costs) must be balanced with the risks of sub-optimal post-surgical pain management (development of chronic pain, persistent postsurgical opioid use and opioid dependence). In addition to significantly lower rates of gastrointestinal adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation), tapendatol (vs oxycodone) is less likely to cause excessive sedation and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment, may be associated with less withdrawal symptoms of mild to moderate intensity and significantly lower odds of 3-month persistent postoperative opioid use in certain patient populations. Studies included in this review were phase III/meta-analyses, referenced in Australian clinical guidelines and/or published ≤5years), except for cost-effectiveness analyses, where all known, relevant published analyses were included.

Exploring incidence and risk factors for persistent postoperative opioid use in adult surgical patients: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to determine the incidence of persistent postsurgical use of opioids in adult patients and the associated risk factors. Surgery has been identified as an independent risk factor for unwarranted chronic opioid use, contributing to opioid-related harm in the community. Persistent opioid use after surgery is associated with morbidity and mortality from opioid-related adverse events, indicating a significant yet mitigable public health concern. There is substantial variation in the reported incidence and risk factors for postoperative opioid use, which require evaluation for future evidence-based risk-reduction strategies. This review will include studies investigating the persistent use of opioids after 90 postoperative days in adult (≥18y) patients undergoing surgery of any type, including cancer pain patients. Selected evidence must report on opioid use prior to surgery. Analytical and descriptive observational studies, and experimental and quasi-experimental studies, published in the last decade will be eligible for inclusion. The proposed study methods follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and a search of gray literature will include Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov. Study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction will be performed by 2 independent reviewers aided by the relevant JBI systematic review tools. We aim to produce a narrative synthesis of results and conduct a meta-analysis where feasible, in addition to subgroup analyses of suitable populations. The results are intended to promote safe, evidence-based postoperative opioid prescribing when considering risk factors for persistent postoperative opioid use.

Bones, groans and sending patients home: Perioperative opioid-related harm reduction strategy utilisation in a regional New South Wales (NSW) hospital.

Perioperative initiation of opioids continues to be a major contributor to chronic use, misuse and diversion in regional areas. There is considerable effort to mitigate harm through avoiding excessive prescribing and reducing the risk of persistent postoperative opioid use. Improving perioperative documentation practices has been reported to ensure appropriate opioid initiation and de-escalation. It has not been established whether these strategies are utilised in regional hospitals. A retrospective observational study of perioperative opioid prescribing and documentation practices in Goulburn Base Hospital, a regional centre in the Southern New South Wales (NSW) Local Health District. Data were collected from 110 records and validated for adult patients undergoing elective total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) from 12 January 2020 to 13 January 2021. To observe perioperative opioid prescribing and utilisation of harm reduction strategies in a regional hospital. 65% of patients were opioid naïve (ON). Preoperative pain assessments and patient education were completed in 23% and 15% of records, respectively. Postoperative opioids were prescribed for 99% of patients, with 74% prescribed a slow-release (SR) formulation. 50% of patients were discharged with an SR prescription. Inadequate postoperative pain control was reported in 21% of patients. Of the 103 patients prescribed opioids on discharge, only 20% included a de-escalation plan and only 35% of discharge summaries included dose and quantity of opioids supplies. This study has identified underutilisation of perioperative harm reduction strategies despite the potential to improve appropriate initiation and de-escalation of opioids. These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in regional hospitals.

Incidence of persistent postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

The opioid crisis remains a major public health concern. In ambulatory surgery, persistent postoperative opioid use is poorly described and temporal trends are unknown. A population-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken in Ontario, Canada using routinely collected administrative data for adults undergoing ambulatory surgery between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. The primary outcome was persistent postoperative opioid use, defined using best-practice methods. Multivariable generalised linear models were used to estimate the association of persistent postoperative opioid use with prognostic factors. Temporal trends in opioid use were examined using monthly time series, adjusting for patient-, surgical- and hospital-level variables. Of 340,013 patients, 44,224 (13.0%, 95%CI 12.9-13.1%) developed persistent postoperative opioid use after surgery. Following multivariable adjustment, the strongest predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use were pre-operative: utilisation of opioids (OR 9.51, 95%CI 8.69-10.39); opioid tolerance (OR 88.22, 95%CI 77.21-100.79); and utilisation of benzodiazepines (OR 13.75, 95%CI 12.89-14.86). The time series model demonstrated a small but significant trend towards decreasing persistent postoperative opioid use over time (adjusted percentage change per year -0.51%, 95%CI -0.83 to -0.19%, p=0.003). More than 10% of patients who underwent ambulatory surgery experienced persistent postoperative opioid use; however, there was a temporal trend towards a reduction in persistent opioid use after surgery. Future studies are needed that focus on interventions which reduce persistent postoperative opioid use.

More Opioids Associated with Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use in Crohn’s Disease

INTRODUCTION: Up to 70% of patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) experience debilitating abdominal pain during flares and often live with chronic abdominal pain. Furthermore, ~70% will require at least 1 operation during their disease course, with 50% of patients requiring multiple operations. Between 13% and 50% of adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) chronically use opioids to manage pain. Surgery poses challenges for management of both chronic abdominal pain and acute postoperative pain in patients with IBD. Despite being a high-risk group, there are limited studies investigating prescribing patterns and the clinical impact of postoperative opioid use in CD. METHODS: The study population consisted of 357 patients with CD who underwent disease-related major abdominal operation between January 2014 and December 2018. Persistent opioid use was defined as either: 1) visit to outpatient pain service within 1 year; or 2) continued opioid use within 1 year after operation. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 56 (15.7%) patients had persistent postoperative opioid use and 301 (84.3%) patients did not. Patients with persistent opioid use were prescribed significantly (p < 0.0001) higher total morphine milligram equivalents (240.0 MME) on hospital discharge postoperatively compared with patients who did not have persistent use (225.0 MME). There was no significant difference in history of previous major abdominal operation, length of stay, laparoscopic vs open approach, or procedure between patients who did and did not have persistent use (Table). CONCLUSION: Patients with CD who are prescribed more opioids after disease-related major abdominal operation are more likely to have persistent opioid use within 1 year postoperatively. Table. - Patient Population Characteristics Characteristic Persistent use (n = 56) No persistent use (n = 301) p Value Sex, f, (%) 27 (48.2%) 126 (41.9%) 0.38 Age (years), median (range) 39 (30, 50.5) 34 (27, 47) 0.06 BMI (kg/m2), median (range) 21.8 (19.4, 25.0) 21.2 (18.6, 24.9) 0.42 Alcohol/Smoker/Drug Use, n (%) 8 (14.3%) 38 (12.6%) 0.67 Public Insurance, n (%) 4 (7.1%) 24 (8.0%) 1.00 History of 1+ prior abdominal surgeries, n (%) 14 (25.0%) 72 (24.0%) 0.87 Length of Stay (days), median (range) 6 (5, 9) 6 (4, 8) 0.20 Laparoscopic (vs Open) Approach, n (%) 50 (89.3%) 274 (91.0%) 0.62 Total MME Prescribed, median (range) 240.0 (225.0, 570.0) 225.0 (157.5, 240.0) <.0001

Psychiatric Comorbidities Associated with Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use.

This review outlines the psychiatric comorbidities associated with persistent opioid use in the postoperative period. We finish our analysis with evidence-based, patient-centered interventions that can be rendered in the perioperative setting to decrease postoperative opioid requirements. Opioids are overprescribed in the USA, especially in the postoperative setting. Excess opioids can result in diversion and contribute to the ongoing opioid epidemic. Mental health and substance use disorders can contribute to persistent postoperative opioid use. Adequately managing these disorders preoperatively promises to reduce persistent postoperative opioid use. Due to the lack of homogenous, evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate quantity and duration of postoperative opioid therapy, there is wide variability in provider prescribing habits. Further research is needed to establish surgery-specific postoperative opioid therapy protocols. Opioids continue to be a mainstay in the treatment of postoperative pain. Unmonitored postoperative opioid use can lead to opioid use disorder. Mental health disorders increase susceptibility to persistent postoperative opioid use. By managing these psychiatric illnesses preoperatively, clinicians have the ability to decrease opioid consumption postoperatively. Lastly, given the healthcare burden of opioid misuse and abuse, it is important to establish concrete protocols to guide provider-prescribing habits.

Pre-pperative low intensity vestibular shockwave therapy (LiSWT) decreases opioid use post-vestibulectomy: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Introduction Surgeons performing complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap reconstruction for suspected neuroproliferative vestibulodynia (NPV) take into consideration the need for acute pain relief in the early postoperative period as well as risks for persistent post-operative opioid use. Post-operative acute pain has traditionally been managed with narcotics which are effective but are highly addictive and can cause unwanted side effects including nausea/vomiting, impaired mental function, and severe constipation/obstipation. We serendipitously observed that one patient who tried to avoid surgery by undergoing numerous vestibular low intensity shockwave therapy (LiWST) treatments used very few narcotics post vestibulectomy. LiWST is FDA-cleared for pain amelioration. It has been hypothesized that LiSWT downregulates inflammatory cytokines, promotes enhancement of blood flow and angiogenesis through expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide synthesis. Objective We performed a pilot study using pre-operative LiSWT to determine whether or not it might decrease post-operative opioid use (oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets; 5mg/325mg) for acute pain management in patients undergoing complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap for suspected NPV. Method We studied the post-op opioid use of women who underwent complete vestibulectomy at our facility during the period January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. We assessed opioid use based on the patient's recall of the total oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets required in the first 30 days post-vestibulectomy. When possible, patients confirmed the use by counting tablets left in the pill container. Women scheduled to undergo vestibulectomy for suspected NPV were placed in the LiSWT study group if they agreed to undergo vestibular LiSWT treatment daily for the three business days immediately pre-operatively. Using the Urogold 100™MTS, LiSWT involved delivery of 1800 shocks to the vestibule per session, energy flux density 0.05-0.1 mJ/mm2, 3 Hz, membrane pressure 3. We compared the post-op opioid use by women in the LiSWT study group to the use by women who did not undergo pre-op LiSWT. Results Forty-five women (mean age 28 years; range 17 - 57) underwent complete vestibulectomy for suspected NPV during the 30 month period. Twenty women (mean age 27 +/- 9 years) agreed to undergo pre-op LiSWT and post-op opioid use was obtained in all. Twenty-five women (mean age 29 +/- 11 years) did not undergo pre-op LiSWT and opioid use was obtained in 19/25 (76%). Mean post-operative opioid use was 47 +/- 13 (range 25 - 90) tablets in those vestibulectomy patients who did not undergo pre-op vestibular LiSWT; opioid side effects included constipation, nausea, fainting, drowsiness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Mean post-op opioid use was 22 +/- 10 (range 1 - 26) tablets in the 20 vestibulectomy patients who did undergo pre-op vestibular LISWT sessions; opioid side effects were restricted to constipation, sleepiness, and nausea. Conclusion In this pilot study, pre-operative low intensity shockwave therapy decreased post-operative opioid use after complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap. While encouraging, more research is needed. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

A Pilot Study of Pre-Operative Vestibular Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy to Decrease Opioid Use Post-Vestibulectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction Surgeons performing complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap reconstruction for suspected neuroproliferative vestibulodynia (NPV) take into consideration the need for acute pain relief in the early postoperative period as well as risks for persistent post-operative opioid use. Post-operative acute pain has traditionally been managed with narcotics which are effective but are highly addictive and can cause unwanted side effects including nausea/vomiting, impaired mental function, and severe constipation/obstipation. We serendipitously observed that one patient who tried to avoid surgery by undergoing numerous vestibular low intensity shockwave therapy (LiWST) treatments used very few narcotics post vestibulectomy. LiWST is FDA-cleared for pain amelioration. It has been hypothesized that LiSWT downregulates inflammatory cytokines, promotes enhancement of blood flow and angiogenesis through expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide synthesis. Objective We performed a pilot study using pre-operative LiSWT to determine whether or not it might decrease post-operative opioid use (oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets; 5mg/325mg) for acute pain management in patients undergoing complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap for suspected NPV. Methods We studied the post-op opioid use of women who underwent complete vestibulectomy at our facility during the period January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. We assessed opioid use based on the patient's recall of the total oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets required in the first 30 days post-vestibulectomy. When possible, patients confirmed the use by counting tablets left in the pill container. Women scheduled to undergo vestibulectomy for suspected NPV were placed in the LiSWT study group if they agreed to undergo vestibular LiSWT treatment daily for the three business days immediately pre-operatively. Using the Urogold 100™MTS, LiSWT involved delivery of 1800 shocks to the vestibule per session, energy flux density 0.05-0.1 mJ/mm2, 3 Hz, membrane pressure 3. We compared the post-op opioid use by women in the LiSWT study group to the use by women who did not undergo pre-op LiSWT. Results Forty-five women (mean age 28 years; range 17 - 57) underwent complete vestibulectomy for suspected NPV during the 30 month period. Twenty women (mean age 27 +/- 9 years) agreed to undergo pre-op LiSWT and post-op opioid use was obtained in all. Twenty-five women (mean age 29 +/- 11 years) did not undergo pre-op LiSWT and opioid use was obtained in 19/25 (76%). Mean post-operative opioid use was 47 +/- 13 (range 25 - 90) tablets in those vestibulectomy patients who did not undergo pre-op vestibular LiSWT; opioid side effects included constipation, nausea, fainting, drowsiness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Mean post-op opioid use was 22 +/- 10 (range 1 - 26) tablets in the 20 vestibulectomy patients who did undergo pre-op vestibular LISWT sessions; opioid side effects were restricted to constipation, sleepiness, and nausea. Conclusions In this pilot study, pre-operative low intensity shockwave therapy decreased post-operative opioid use after complete vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap. While encouraging, more research is needed. Disclosure No

Minimally invasive, benign foregut surgery is not associated with long-term, persistent opioid use postoperatively: an analysis of the IBM® MarketScan® database.

It is unknown if opioid naïve patients who undergo minimally invasive, benign foregut operations are at risk for progressing to persistent postoperative opioid use. The purpose of our study was to determine if opioid naïve patients who undergo minimally invasive, benign foregut operations progress to persistent postoperative opioid use and to identify any patient- and surgery-specific factors associated with persistent postoperative opioid use. Opioid-naïve, adult patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication, hiatal hernia repair, or Heller myotomy from 2010 to 2018 were identified within the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. Daily drug logs of the preoperative and postoperative period were evaluated to assess for changes in drug use patters. The primary outcome of interest was persistent postoperative opioid use, defined as at least 33% of the proportion of days covered by opioid prescriptions at 365-day follow-up. Patient demographic information and clinical risk factors for persistent postoperative opioid use at 365days postoperatively were estimated using log-binomial regression. A total of 17,530 patients met inclusion criteria; 6895 underwent fundoplication, 9235 underwent hiatal hernia repair, and 1400 underwent Heller myotomy. 9652 patients had at least one opioid prescription filled in the perioperative period. Sixty-five patients (0.4%) were found to have persistent postoperative opioid use at 365days postoperatively. Lower Charlson comorbidity index scores and a history of mental illness or substance use disorder had a statistically but not clinically significant protective effect on the risk of persistent postoperative opioid use at 365days postoperatively. Only half of opioid naïve patients undergoing minimally invasive, benign foregut operations filled an opioid prescription postoperatively. The risk of progression to persistent postoperative opioid use was less than 1%. These findings support the current guidelines that limit the number of opioid pills prescribed following general surgery operations.

Machine learning approach to predicting persistent opioid use following lower extremity joint arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to develop predictive models for persistent opioid use following lower extremity joint arthroplasty and determine if ensemble learning and an oversampling technique may improve...

Long-Term Outcomes of Persistent Post-Operative Opioid Use: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To determine the association between persistent post-operative opioid use and the long-term risk of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose. Persistent post-operative opioid use is a commonly used outcome in the surgical literature; its incidence and risk factors have been well described. However, its association to long term outcomes, including opioid use disorder and opioid overdose, is unknown. A retrospective cohort study utilizing the Veterans Health Administration corporate data warehouse. Patients undergoing any surgery between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2018 were included and followed until December 31st 2020. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis were used to determine the association between persistent post-operative opioid use and opioid use disorder and overdose. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the impact of different definitions of persistent opioid use and the effect of pre-operative opioid use. 304,780 patients undergoing surgery were included and followed for a median of 5.56 years (IQR 3.08-8.65). Persistent post-operative opioid use was associated with an increased hazard of developing both opioid use disorder (HR = 1.88, CI: 1.80-1.96, p < 0.001) and overdose (HR = 1.78, CI: 1.67-1.90, p < 0.001). This association remained consistent after adjustment for comorbidities and across all sensitivity analyses. Surgical patients who develop persistent post-operative opioid use are at increased risk of both opioid use disorder and overdose as compared to surgical patients who do not develop persistent use.

Postoperative Opioid Prescribing and New Persistent Opioid Use: The Risk of Excessive Prescribing.

Evaluate the association between postoperative opioid prescribing and new persistent opioid use. Opioid-nave patients who develop new persistent opioid use after surgery are at increased risk of opioid-related morbidity and mortality. However, the extent to which postoperative opioid prescribing is associated with persistent postoperative opioid use is unclear. Retrospective study of opioid-naïve adults undergoing surgery in Michigan from 1/1/2017 to 10/31/2019. Postoperative opioid prescriptions were identified using a statewide clinical registry and prescription fills were identified using Michigan's prescription drug monitoring program. The primary outcome was new persistent opioid use, defined as filling at least 1 opioid prescription between post-discharge days 4 to 90 and filling at least 1 opioid prescription between post-discharge days 91 to 180. A total of 37,654 patients underwent surgery with a mean age of 52.2 (16.7) years and 20,923 (55.6%) female patients. A total of 31,920 (84.8%) patients were prescribed opioids at discharge. Six hundred twenty-two (1.7%) patients developed new persistent opioid use after surgery. Being prescribed an opioid at discharge was not associated with new persistent opioid use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-1.09)]. However, among patients prescribed an opioid, patients prescribed the second largest [12 (interquartile range (IQR) 3) pills] and largest [20 (IQR 7) pills] quartiles of prescription size had higher odds of new persistent opioid use compared to patients prescribed the smallest quartile [7 (IQR 1) pills] of prescription size [aOR 1.39 (95% CI 1.04-1.86) andaOR 1.97 (95% CI 1.442.70), respectively]. In a cohort of opioid-naïve patients undergoing common surgical procedures, the risk of new persistent opioid use increased with the size of the prescription. This suggests that while opioid prescriptions in and of themselves may not place patients at risk of long-term opioid use, excessive prescribing does. Consequently, these findings support ongoing efforts to mitigate excessive opioid prescribing after surgery to reduce opioid-related harms.