Impact of Postsurgical Opioid Prescription Reduction in General Surgery Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Recent studies suggest a large percentage of post-surgical opioid prescriptions are not utilized. This surplus of opioids provides supply for diversion or entry into the waste cycle. Recommendations are available for general surgery procedures which may optimize prescribed quantity while maintaining patient satisfaction which this work was initiated to investigate. Methods: This retrospective patient survey was conducted with Institutional Review Committee approval following adjustments to discharge opioid prescription quantities in an individual General Surgeon practice. Patients were contacted via phone to assess the impact of the reduced opioid quantities. Patients were categorized based on whether they utilized the entire prescription or opioid remained. Data collected include baseline demographics, inpatient stay characteristics, opioid use patterns, and satisfaction with overall pain control. The primary endpoint was to determine if patients were satisfied with their pain control based on response. Secondary endpoints included if patient characteristics could be identified that signal larger opioid quantity use, and whether unused opioids were disposed. Results: Thirty patients utilized all opioid prescribed, 60 had some quantity remaining. Baseline data appear similar aside from age with younger patients using more opioid. Patients were satisfied with their overall pain control in 93% of respondents. A total of 960 opioid tablets (11.4 ± 4.8 tabs/patient) were not prescribed, 8% required refill. Opioid disposal yet to occur in 85% of patients. Conclusion: An evidence-based reduction in opioid discharge prescriptions following general surgery procedures resulted in nearly 1000 opioid tablets not being dispensed without having a negative impact on patient satisfaction.