Reduction In Postoperative Opioid Use Research Articles

Perioperative N-acetylcysteine: evidence and indications.

Nonopioid analgesics serve to improve analgesia and limit side effects and risks of perioperative opioids. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the primary treatment of acetaminophen toxicity, may have perioperative indications, including analgesia. NAC impacts glutathione synthesis, oxidant scavenging, glutamate receptor modulationand neuroinflammation. Potential perioperative benefits include arrhythmia prevention after cardiac surgery, decreased contrast-induced nephropathy, improved post-transplant liver functionand superior pulmonary outcomes with general anesthesia. NAC may improve perioperative analgesia, with some studies displaying a reduction in postoperative opioid use. NAC is generally well tolerated with an established safety profile. NAC administration may predispose to gastrointestinal effects, while parenteral administration may carry a risk of anaphylactoid reactions, including bronchospasm. Larger randomized trials may clarify the impact of NAC on perioperative analgesic outcomes.

Combined Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Intrapelvic Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block Is Associated With Decreased Opioid Consumption After Hip Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Ambulatory hip arthroscopies are associated with moderate-to-severe pain often requiring opioid analgesia. Novel motor-sparing blocks, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block, have shown efficacy in hip surgery. We sought to investigate the analgesic benefits of these novel blocks in terms of opioid-sparing and discharge efficiency. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching of 224 patients who underwent ambulatory elective unilateral hip arthroscopy. One group received a combined PENG and LFCN block (PENG/LFCN, n = 86), while a second group received only a PENG block (n = 26). A control group (n = 112) received no blocks. The primary outcome was postanesthesia care unit (PACU) mean opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, intravenous rescue analgesia, and PACU readiness-for-discharge times. The PENG/LFCN-block group required significantly less opioids than the control group in the PACU (25.98 ± 13.04 vs 14.58 ± 5.77, respectively) and were discharged earlier 2.72 ± 1.16 vs 4.42 ± 1.63 hours, respectively). The combined PENG/LFCN group also used less intravenous rescue opioids than the control group (0.47 ± 1.18 vs 1.44 ± 2.1 mg, respectively) and showed a significant difference in the highest NRS pain scores than the control group (6.01 ± 2.38 vs 6.77 ± 2.1 respectively). The PENG block alone group did not show a significant difference in opioid reduction (21.95 ± 15.83 vs 27.72 ± 15.01, respectively). This retrospective study found that in patients who underwent ambulatory elective unilateral hip arthroscopy, a combined PENG and LFCN block was associated with expedited PACU discharge and a clinically significant reduction in postoperative opioid use. Further study is warranted.

The essential role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pain control following robotic thoracoscopic lung resections.

Enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) protocols use a combination of analgesics for pain control. We investigated the effect of non-steroidal analgesic drugs (NSAIDs) on pain control by comparing patient levels and opioid requirements after robotic pulmonary resections. We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained institutional database for elective, opioid-naïve robotic thoracoscopic pulmonary resections. All patients received postoperative NSAIDs unless contraindicated or at the discretion of the attending surgeons. Our original protocol (ERATS-V1) was modified to optimize opioid-sparing effect without affecting pain control (ERATS-V2). Demographics, operative outcomes, and postoperative opioid dispensed [morphine milligram equivalent (MME)] were collected. A total of 491 patients (147 ERATS-V1; 344 ERATS-V2) were included in this study. There was no difference in patient characteristics or operative outcomes between ERATS cohorts. Protocol optimization was associated with a 2- to 10-fold reduction of postoperative opioid use without compromising pain control. In ERATS-V1 cohort, there was no difference in pain levels and opioid requirements with NSAID usage. In ERATS-V2 cohort, while pain levels were similar, higher in-hospital opioid consumption was observed in no-NSAID subgroup {MME: 20.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 4.8-40.5] vs. 12.0 (IQR, 2.0-32.2), P=0.0096, schedule II: 14.2 (IQR, 3.0-36.4) vs. 6.8 (IQR, 1.4-24.0), P=0.012} as well as total postoperative schedule II opioid requirement [17.8 (IQR, 3.0-43.5) vs. 8.8 (IQR, 1.5-30), P=0.032]. The opioid-sparing effect of NSAIDs was observed only in optimized ERATS patients. Modifications of our pre-existing ERATS was associated with a significant reduction of opioid consumption without affecting pain levels. This revealed the role of NSAIDs in postoperative pain management otherwise masked by excessive opioids use.

Comparing the effect of local injection of combined morphine, triamcinolone and lidocaine and lidocaine injection on pain intensity after mastoidectomy-tympanoplasty; a triple-blind clinical trial

Introduction: Postoperative pain control is one of the patient’s rights and the challenges of surgeons and anesthesiologists since about 20% of patients experience severe pain in the first 24 hours after surgery. Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are common surgeries in the head and neck area, in which profound and long-term analgesia is essential. Objectives: The present study investigated the effect of the combination of topical morphine, triamcinolone, and lidocaine compared to the control group. Patients and Methods: In the current clinical trial, 68 patients’ candidates for mastoidectomy-tympanoplasty surgery were included and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The variables of demographic, pain, hemodynamics, extubation time, and received opioids were measured. Results: The results of the current study indicated a significant reduction in the patient’s pain scores in both groups (P=0.001), while the patients of group 1 had significantly lower pain scores than group 2 after 8, 12, and 24 hours in the ward (P<0.05). Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in all patients during surgery (P<0.001). However, in patients who received morphine, triamcinolone, and lidocaine (group 1), SBP and MAP were significantly lower than group 2 after 40, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 minutes during surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion: The present study indicated that the combination of morphine, triamcinolone, and lidocaine compared to the control group could lead to better pain control, further reduction of SBP and MAP, reduction of post-operative opioid use, and delay during the first opioid administration. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20200825048515N39; https://irct.ir/trial/57931, ethical code; IR.MUI.MED.REC.1400.064).

Evidence for a Multimodal Pain Management Regimen in Reduction of Postoperative Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients Receiving Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Retrospective cohort study. This project aims to evaluate the relationship between increased use of intraoperative nonopioid analgesics, muscle relaxers, and anesthetics and postoperative outcomes, including opioid utilization, time until ambulation, and hospital length of stay. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural deformity of the spine that occurs in otherwise healthy adolescents, occurring with a frequency of 1% to 3%. Up to 60% of patients receiving spinal surgeries, particularly posterior spinal fusion (PSF), experience at least 1 day of moderate-to-severe pain after surgery. This is a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 having received PSF with >5 levels fused for AIS at a dedicated children's hospital and a regional tertiary referral center with a dedicated pediatric spine program between January 2018 and September 2022. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the influence of baseline characteristics and intraoperative medications on the total amount of postoperative morphine milligram equivalents received. There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the two patient populations. Patients receiving PSF at the tertiary referral center received equivalent or greater amounts of all nonopioid pain medications and demonstrated decreased time until ambulation (19.3 vs . 22.3 h), postoperative opioid use (56.1 vs . 70.1 MME), and postoperative hospital length of stay (35.9 vs . 58.3 h). Hospital location was not individually associated with a difference in postoperative opioid use. There was not a significant difference in postoperative pain ratings. When accounting for all other variables, liposomal bupivacaine had the greatest contribution to the decrease in postoperative opioid use. Patients receiving greater amounts of nonopioid intraoperative medications utilized 20% fewer postoperative morphine milligram equivalents, were discharged 22.3 hours earlier and had earlier recorded evidence of mobility. Postoperatively, nonopioid analgesics were as effective as opioids in the reduction of subjective pain ratings. This study further demonstrates the efficacy of multimodal pain management regimens in pediatric patients receiving PSF for AIS.

Standing Intravenous Acetaminophen Is Associated With a Reduction of Post-operative Opioid Use in Infants Aged Less Than 1Year Treated on the Acute Care Floor.

Given the negative clinical effects opiates can have, the search for alternative forms of analgesia to treat post-operative pain continues. We implemented an opiate reduction strategy using standing intravenous (IV) acetaminophen for infants aged less than 1y who underwent abdominal or anorectal surgery and recovered on the acute care floor. Infants were administered standing IV acetaminophen every 6h for a minimum of 48h as the main form of post-operative analgesia. Pain severity was objectively scored using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale. A before-and-after retrospective cohort analysis was performed and process control charts were used to examine trends in post-operative opiate use in our pre-intervention (January 2012 to January 2016), roll-out (January 2016 to December 2016), and post-intervention (December 2016 to December 2020) cohorts. A total of 131 infants were included: 56 in the pre-intervention, 17 in the roll-out, and 58 in the post-intervention group. Patient demographics were equivalent. The intervention was associated with a 36-fold reduction in post-operative morphine equivalents (median 0.36mg/kg in the pre-intervention group versus 0.0mg/kg in the post-intervention group, P<0.0001). The median and maximum FLACC pain scores along with clinical safety profiles were statistically equivalent between the groups. The intervention was associated with a 2-d reduction in post-operative length of stay (P<0.0001). Standing IV acetaminophen is associated with a reduction of post-operative opioid use in infants being treated on the acute care floor while maintaining equivalent FLACC pain scores. Similar opiate reduction strategies may be of value at other institutions.

Perioperative Multimodal Pain Management Approach in Older Adults With Polytrauma.

The use of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen (APAP) postoperatively in older adults may be a beneficial strategy. We implemented a multimodal pain management approach in our hospital in 2015, with IV APAP being the first-line therapy. This was a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study of polytrauma, orthopedic surgical patients aged ≥50y. Patients admitted in 2017, postimplementation of pain protocol, were categorized as the exposed patients. Patients in the year 2014 served as the historical cohort. The two primary outcomes evaluated were postoperative opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and patient pain scores. In total, 121 eligible patients were identified for this study; 22 historical control patients and 99 exposed patients. We observed a significant reduction in postoperative opioid use up to 48h postoperatively (20.9±27 versus 4.3±12.4 MME [P<0.05] at 24h and 19.8±31.2 versus 2.1±11.3 MME [P<0.05] at 48h, respectively). The mean opioid consumption remained significantly lower in patient subgroup of age ≥74y with no difference in the mean pain scores (1.5±1.5 versus 1.9±1.6 [P=0.48] at 24h and 1.5±1.8 versus 2.0±1.5 [P=0.21] at 48h postoperatively in the historical versus exposed cohort, respectively). Exposed patients had a shorter hospital length of stay than control patients (5.0 [3, 7] versus 6.5 [5, 9.5] d; P=0.01). The use of multimodal pain management with IV APAP as first-line therapy was associated with reduced opioid use in the perioperative setting for older adults with polytrauma.

Reduction of post-operative opioid use in neonates following open congenital diaphragmatic hernia repairs: A quality improvement initiative

BackgroundA limited number of post-operative opioid reduction strategies have been implemented in the neonatal population. Given the potential neurodevelopment effects of prolonged opioid use, we created a quality improvement initiative to reduce opioids in our NICU and evaluated the intervention in our CDH population. MethodsOur opioid reduction intervention was based on standing post-operative IV acetaminophen, standardizing post-surgical sign-out between the surgical, anesthesia and NICU teams and a series of education seminars with NICU providers on post-operative pain control management. A historical control was used to perform a retrospective cohort analysis of opioid prescribing patterns in addition to a utilizing process control charts to investigate time trends in prescribing patterns. ResultsForty-five children with CDH underwent an operation were included in our investigation- 18 in our pre-intervention cohort, 6 in a roll-out cohort and 21 in our post-intervention cohort. Each cohort was clinically similar. The intervention reduced total post-operative opioid use (morphine equivalents) from 82.2 (mg/kg) to 2.9 (mg/kg) in our post-intervention group (p < 0.0001). Our maximum Neonatal Pain and Agitation Sedation Score over the first 48 post-operative hours were equivalent (p = 0.827). Safety profiles were statistically equivalent. The opioid reduction intervention reduced post-operative intubation length from 156 to 44 h (p = 0.021). ConclusionA multi-tiered intervention can decrease opioid use in post-surgical neonates with complex surgical pathology including CDH. The intervention proposed in this investigation is safe and does not increase pain or sedation scores in neonates, while lessening post-operative intubation length. Evidence levelLevel II

The effect of ketorolac on posterior minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: an interim analysis from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPostoperative pain control following posterior lumbar fusion continues to be challenging and often requires high doses of opioids for pain relief. The use of ketorolac in spinal fusion is limited due to the risk of pseudarthrosis. However, recent literature suggests it may not affect fusion rates with short-term use and low doses. PURPOSEWe sought to demonstrate noninferiority regarding fusion rates in patients who received ketorolac after undergoing minimally invasive (MIS) posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Additionally, we sought to demonstrate ketorolac's opioid-sparing effect on analgesia in the immediate postoperative period. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. We are reporting our interim analysis. PATIENT SAMPLEAdults with degenerative spinal conditions eligible to undergo a one to three-level MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). OUTCOME MEASURESSix-month and 1-year radiographic fusion as determined by Suk criteria, postoperative opioid consumption as measured by intravenous milligram morphine equivalent, length of stay, and drug-related complications. Self-reported and functional measures include validated visual analog scale, short-form 12, and Oswestry Disability Index. METHODSA double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled, noninferiority trial of patients undergoing 1- to 3-level MIS TLIF was performed with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Patients were randomized to receive a 48-hour scheduled treatment of either intravenous ketorolac (15 mg every 6 hours) or saline in addition to a standardized pain regimen. The primary outcome was fusion. Secondary outcomes included 48-hour and total postoperative opioid use demonstrated as milligram morphine equivalence, pain scores, length of stay (LOS), and quality-of-life outcomes. Univariate analyses were performed. The present study provides results from a planned interim analysis. RESULTSTwo hundred and forty-six patients were analyzed per protocol. Patient characteristics were comparable between the groups. There was no significant difference in 1-year fusion rates between the two treatments (p=.53). The difference in proportion of solid fusion between the ketorolac and placebo groups did not reach inferiority (p=.072, 95% confidence interval, -.07 to .21). There was a significant reduction in total/48-hour mean opioid consumption (p<.001) and LOS (p=.001) for the ketorolac group while demonstrating equivalent mean pain scores in 48 hours postoperative (p=.20). There was no significant difference in rates of perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONSShort-term use of low-dose ketorolac in patients who have undergone MIS TLIF with BMP demonstrated noninferior fusion rates. Ketorolac safely demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative opioid use and LOS while maintaining equivalent postoperative pain control.

The effect of ketorolac on posterior minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion: an interim analysis from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Postoperative pain control following posterior lumbar fusion continues to be challenging and often requires high doses of opioids for pain relief. The use of ketorolac in spinal fusion is limited due to the risk of pseudarthrosis. However, recent literature suggests it may not affect fusion rates with short-term use and low doses. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> We sought to demonstrate non-inferiority regarding fusion rates in patients who received ketorolac after undergoing minimally invasive (MIS) posterior lumbar fusions. Additionally, we sought to demonstrate ketorolac's opioid-sparing effect on analgesia in the immediate postoperative period. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. We are reporting our interim analysis. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Adults with degenerative spinal conditions eligible to undergo a 1- to 3-level minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Six-month and 1-year radiographic fusion as determined by Suk criteria, postoperative opioid consumption as measured by intravenous milligram morphine equivalent (MME), length of stay (LOS), and drug-related complications. Self-reported and functional measures include validated visual analog scale (VAS), short-form 12 (SF-12), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). <h3>METHODS</h3> A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial of patients undergoing 1- to 3-level minimally invasive (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) was performed. Patients were randomized to receive a 48-hour scheduled treatment of either intravenous ketorolac (15mg every 6 hours) or saline in addition to a standardized pain regimen. The primary outcome was fusion. Secondary outcomes included 48-hour and total postoperative opioid use demonstrated as MME, pain scores, LOS, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The present study provides results from a planned interim analysis. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Two hundred and forty-six patients were analyzed per protocol. Patient characteristics were comparable between the groups. There was no significant difference in 1-year fusion rates between the two treatments (p=.53). The difference in proportion for solid fusion between the ketorolac and placebo groups did not reach inferiority (.072, 95% CI, -.07-.21). There was a significant reduction in total/48-hour mean opioid consumption (p<.001) and LOS (p=.001) for the ketorolac group while demonstrating equivalent pain scores (p=.20). There was no significant difference in rates of perioperative complications. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Short-term use of low-dose ketorolac in patients who have undergone MIS lumbar fusion demonstrated favorable results suggesting non-inferior fusion rates. Ketorolac safely demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative opioid use and LOS while maintaining equivalent postoperative pain control. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> Not applicable.

Reducing Opioid Dependence and Improving Patient Experience for Living Kidney Donors with Transversus Abdominis Plane Block

Rapid recovery after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN) for kidney donation is highly desirable for living kidney donors. To uphold rapid recovery, good analgesia with minimal adverse effects, including those related to opioid dependence, is essential. A pre-operative transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with liposomal bupivacaine can effectively aid in perioperative pain management, while reducing opioid requirements. We conducted a single-center retrospective study involving patients 18 years and older who underwent LLDN to determine whether a TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine is efficacious in pain management after LLDN, while reducing opioid use. The study group comprised of patients who received a preoperative TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine in place of hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and the control group included patients who received hydromorphone PCA post-operatively. Both groups were supplemented with oral and intravenous analgesics for breakthrough pain, as needed. The primary endpoint was reduction in post-operative opioid use in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Secondary endpoints included: post-operative pain scores, postoperative length of stay, and re-hospitalizations within 7 days of discharge. Sixty-six patients were included in our study, with 33 in each group. Patients in both groups were well matched demographically. The study group who received TAP block demonstrated a significant reduction in post-operative opioid use (92.05 MME vs. 53.98 MME, p &lt; 0.05) when compared to the control group who received hydromorphone PCA. Both groups achieved similar analgesia with comparable pain scores. There was no difference between postoperative hospital lengths of stay for both groups. Two patients in the control group were re-admitted due to small bowel obstruction within seven days of discharge. In conclusion, TAP block with liposomal bupivacaine significantly reduced postoperative opioid use, while also proving to be safe, efficacious and feasible in patients undergoing LLDN.

Impact of Intravenous Methadone Administered Intraoperatively on Postoperative Opioid Utilization.

Studies have shown that intravenous methadone intraoperatively can reduce opioid usage postoperatively. This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of intravenous methadone on postoperative opioid use. A prospective, single-center observational study was conducted to evaluate patients who received intravenous methadone intraoperatively. A control group was identified by matching procedure, gender, and age in a 1:3 ratio of methadone to control. Exclusion criteria included patients less than 18 years old or on methadone maintenance therapy. The primary outcome was morphine milligram equivalents (MME) administered 24h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included MME administered 48h and 72h postoperatively, discharge prescription MME, daily mean postoperative pain scores, and length of hospital stay. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing opioid-naïve patients. A total of 240 patients were included in the analysis. At 24h, postoperative MME was increased in the methadone group (142.6 vs 84.5; P = 0.0026). Postoperative MME was also increased in the methadone group at 48h and 72h. Daily pain scores were similar between both groups at all time intervals. Discharge prescription MME was reduced in the methadone group compared with controls, but not statistically significant. A subgroup analysis of opioid-naïve patients showed a significant reduction in MME at 48h (P = 0.0240) and daily pain scores at 24h (P = 0.0366) in the methadone group. Intravenous methadone intraoperatively did not show a significant reduction in postoperative opioid use and discharge prescription MMEs when comparing all patients; however, benefit was seen when examining opioid-naïve patients.

Opioid Avoidance in Liver Transplant Recipients: Reduction in Postoperative Opioid Use Through a Multidisciplinary Multimodal Approach.

The prevalence of substance use disorder in the liver transplantation (LT) population makes postoperative pain management challenging. We report our initial experience with a novel, comprehensive, multidisciplinary opioid avoidance pathway in 13 LT recipients between January 2018 and September 2019. Patients received comprehensive pre-LT education on postoperative opioid avoidance by the surgeon, pharmacist, and psychologist at the time of listing. Immediately after LT, patients received a continuous incisional ropivacaine infusion, ketamine, acetaminophen, and gabapentin as standard nonopioid medications; rescue opioids were used as needed. We compared outcomes with a historical cohort of 27 LT recipients transplanted between August 2016 and January 2018 managed primarily with opioids. On average, opioid avoidance patients used 92% fewer median (interquartile range [IQR]) morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) versus the historical cohort (7 [1-11] versus 87 [60-130] MME; P<0.001) per postoperative day over a similar length of stay (8[7-10] versus 6 [6-10] days; P=0.14). Fewer outpatient MMEs were prescribed within the first 60 days after LT in the opioid avoidance group versus the historical cohort: 125 (25-150) versus 270 (0-463) MME (P=0.05). This proof-of-concept study outlines the potential to profoundly reduce opioid utilization in the LT population using a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.

Reduction of Postoperative Opioid Use After Elective Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have previously been shown to be feasible and safe in elective spinal procedures. As publications on ERAS pathways have recently emerged in elective neurosurgery, long-term outcomes are limited. We report on our 18-month experience with an ERAS pathway in elective spinal surgery. A historical cohort of 149 consecutive patients was identified as the control group, and 1,141 patients were prospectively enrolled in an ERAS protocol. The primary outcome was the need for opioid use one month postoperation. Secondary outcomes were opioid and nonopioid consumption on postoperative day (POD) 1, opioid use at three and six months postoperation, inpatient pain scores, patient satisfaction scores, postoperative Foley catheter use, mobilization/ambulation on POD0-1, length of stay, complications, and intensive care unit admissions. There was significant reduction in use of opioids at one, three, and six months postoperation (38.6% vs 70.5%, P < 0.001, 36.5% vs 70.9%, P < 0.001, and 23.6% vs 51.9%, P = 0.008) respectively. Both groups had similar surgical procedures and demographics. PCA use was nearly eliminated in the ERAS group (1.4% vs 61.6%, P < 0.001). ERAS patients mobilized faster on POD0 compared with control (63.5% vs 20.7%, P < 0.001). Fewer patients in the ERAS group required postoperative catheterization (40.7% vs 32.7%, P < 0.001). The ERAS group also had decreased length of stay (3.4 vs 3.9 days, P = 0.020). ERAS protocols for all elective spine and peripheral nerve procedures are both possible and effective. This standardized approach to patient care decreases opioid usage, eliminates the use of PCAs, mobilizes patients faster, and reduces length of stay.

Association of multimodal analgesia with perioperative safety and opioid use following head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

This study examines the association of multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocol for head and neck microvascular reconstruction with postoperative safety and opioid use. Retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis of 226 patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction between January 1, 2014 and August 30, 2018 at a tertiary-care hospital following MMA protocol implementation. Multivariable models examined outcomes of interest. There were no differences between groups in frequency of bleeding, return to operating room, complete flap loss, readmissions, wound complications, and 30-day mortality. Patients in MMA protocol experienced reduced likelihood of partial flap loss (OR 0.18, confidence interval 0.04-0.91), meaningful reduction in postoperative opioid use (cumulative inpatient morphine equivalents [64 vs 141 mg; P < .001], daily morphine equivalents [8 vs 22 mg/d; P < .001]; and 22.5% lower frequency of opioid prescription at discharge [55.6% vs 78.1%; P = .001]). In patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction, MMA is safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid use.

Less pain and earlier discharge after implementation of a multidisciplinary enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may be complicated by postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, with consequent increases in length of stay (LOS), decreased patient satisfaction, and higher costs. While enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been in circulation for many years, there is no standard ERAS protocol for bariatric surgery. Data were collected prospectively and compared to a historical control. All patients undergoing LSG, ages 18 to 75, were included in the pathway; those with preoperative chronic opioid use were excluded from our results. Statistical analysis was performed using t-statistics and chi-squared test. Ninety patients undergoing LSG, performed by a single surgeon, were included in our ERAS group from November 26, 2018, to April 30, 2019, and were compared to a historical control of 570 patients who underwent LSG over the previous 5years (pre-ERAS). Measured outcomes included discharge opioid prescriptions issued, hospital length of stay, 30-day readmissions, reoperations, morbidity, and mortality. Ten (11%) ERAS patients vs 100% of pre-ERAS patients received opioid prescriptions upon, or after, discharge (p < 0.001). The ERAS group LOS decreased to 1.36days vs 2.40days in the pre-ERAS group (p < 0.001). 30-day readmission rates were 0% for ERAS patients vs 3.09% for pre-ERAS patients (p = 0.149). 30-day reoperation rates were 0% for ERAS patients vs 0.54% for pre-ERAS patients (p = 1). Thirty-day morbidity rates were 3.33% (3) for ERAS patients vs 3.27% for pre-ERAS patients (p = 1); there was no 30-day mortality in either group. ERAS for LSG results in a clinical and statistically significant reduction in postoperative opioid use and LOS, without increasing 30-day readmissions, reoperations, morbidity, or mortality.

Dramatic Reduction in Postoperative Opioid Use With a Novel Pain Management Program

Lippincott's Bone and Joint Newsletter 26(1):p 10-11, January 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/01.BONEJ.0000651176.52553.c4

647: Reduction of post-operative opioid use after implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery (ERACS) program

647: Reduction of post-operative opioid use after implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery (ERACS) program

Reduction of postoperative opioid use in oncologic breast surgery and the creation of multimodal pain management guidelines and practices

Background: The US is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Prescribing physicians are now pressured to balance patient pain management and opioid prescribing behavior. The responsibility of curbing the flow of opioids into the general US populace and optimizing pain management for their patients is in the hands of the prescribing physician. Methods: A two year study of postoperative pain management for oncologic breast surgery patients was conducted between 2016 and 2018. Of such, the majority of patients received operatively administered liposomal bupivacaine, a nonopioid long lasting bupivacaine, to aid postoperative recovery. Data pertaining to opioid usage and pain were collected, tabulated, and analyzed. Results: For more invasive surgical cases, including total mastectomy, postoperative opioid usage was significantly reduced while for less invasive cases, including surgical biopsy and partial mastectomy with sentinel lymph node (SLN), opioid usage was both reduced and eliminated in a large portion of patients. Conclusions: It is time that we upgrade our operative and postoperative pain management strategies to reflect advancements in surgical techniques and patient treatment. As breast surgery becomes less invasive, relying on opioids to manage postoperative pain poses more risk to patients and society than reward. It is time that auxiliary modes of pain management, such as liposomal bupivacaine, and medically relevant guidelines inform oncologic opioid prescribing behavior.

Safety of Postoperative Opioid Alternatives in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

With the growing opioid epidemic, plastic surgeons are being encouraged to transition away from reliance on postoperative opioids. However, many plastic surgeons hesitate to use nonopioid analgesics such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and local anesthetic blocks because of concerns about their safety, particularly bleeding. The goal of this systematic review is to assess the validity of risks associated with nonopioid analgesic alternatives. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted regarding the safety of opioid alternatives in plastic surgery. Inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 34 relevant articles. A systematic review was performed because of the variation between study indications, interventions, and complications. Thirty-four articles were reviewed that analyzed the safety of ibuprofen, ketorolac, celecoxib, intravenous acetaminophen, ketamine, gabapentin, liposomal bupivacaine, and local and continuous nerve blocks after plastic surgery procedures. There were no articles that showed statistically significant bleeding associated with ibuprofen, celecoxib, or ketorolac. Similarly, acetaminophen administered intravenously, ketamine, gabapentin, and liposomal bupivacaine did not have any significant increased risk of adverse events. Nerve and infusion blocks have a low risk of pneumothorax. Limitations of this study include small sample sizes, different dosing and control groups, and more than one medication being studied. Larger studies of nonopioid analgesics would therefore be valuable and may strengthen the conclusions of this review. As a preliminary investigation, this review showed that several opioid alternatives have a potential role in postoperative analgesia. Plastic surgeons have the responsibility to lead the reduction of postoperative opioid use by further developing multimodal analgesia.