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Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

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01-05-2019 | Original Article

Post-Discharge Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Elective Colon and Rectal Surgery Without Complications

Authors: Jeffrey S. Scow, Nicholas M. Tomhave, Jenna K. Lovely, Grant M. Spears, Marianne Huebner, David W. Larson

Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Background

Few studies have examined opioid usage in the post-discharge period. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the need for post-discharge opioids in a unique set of patients: those undergoing colorectal operations and experiencing no surgical complications. The secondary aim was to examine the accuracy of the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) to predict the need for additional opioid prescriptions. Our hypotheses were that few patients would require post-discharge opioids and that the ORT would predict patients requiring post-discharge opioids.

Methods

All patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery between January 2012 and December 2014 that did not experience NSQIP complications within 30 days or receive an opioid prescription in the 2 weeks prior to operation were reviewed. ORT score was calculated for all patients. Patients requiring post-discharge opioids within 1 year were compared to those not receiving additional opioids after discharge.

Results

There were 367 patients that met inclusion criteria and 56 (15%) received post-discharge opioids. Opioid use in the year prior to surgery was the only significant risk factor to receive post-discharge opioids. Opioids were prescribed for three distinct reasons by three groups of prescribers. The ORT did not accurately predict need for post-discharge opioids.

Conclusions

Even among patients without complications, 15% received post-discharge opioid prescriptions. Previous opioid use within the year prior to surgery was a major risk factor for additional prescriptions. The timing and prescriber’s specialty are impacted by the indication for post-discharge opioids. The ORT did not predict which patients would receive post-discharge opioids.

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Title: Post-Discharge Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Elective Colon and Rectal Surgery Without Complications
Authors: Jeffrey S. Scow
Nicholas M. Tomhave
Jenna K. Lovely
Grant M. Spears
Marianne Huebner
David W. Larson
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1091-255X
Electronic ISSN: 1873-4626
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-018-3941-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Post-Discharge Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Elective Colon and Rectal Surgery Without Complications

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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