Faculty Collaboration Database

Postoperative Prescriptions and Corresponding Opioid Consumption After Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty. Ear Nose Throat J 2021 Sep;100(5_suppl):462S-466S

Date

10/16/2019

Pubmed ID

31610698

DOI

10.1177/0145561319866824

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85074579328 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   16 Citations

Abstract

The objective of our study was to assess the relationship between postoperative opioid prescribing patterns and opioid consumption among patients who underwent septoplasty or rhinoplasty. A chart review of patients who underwent either septoplasty or rhinoplasty by 3 surgeons between July 2016 and June 2017 was performed, and pertinent clinical data were collected including the amount of narcotic pain medications prescribed. A telephone interview was then conducted to assess opioid usage and pain control regimen postoperatively. The number of opioid tablets prescribed and the number consumed were converted to total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) for uniform comparison. A total of 75 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 64 completed the telephone survey. Among these 64 patients, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) prescribed MME was 289.7 (101.3), and the mean (SD) consumed MME was 100.6 (109). Similarly, the mean (SD) number of opioid tablets prescribed was 42.4 (9.7), and the mean number of tablets consumed was 14.7 (16.3). Gender, procedure performed (septoplasty or rhinoplasty), use of Doyle splints, and surgeon were not associated with the amount of opioids prescribed or used. Subjective pain control was the only factor associated with an increase in opioid use (P = .0288). There was an overabundance of opioid pain medications prescribed compared to the amount consumed for pain control after septoplasty or rhinoplasty. Abuse of prescription opioids represents an important component of the nation's opioid crisis. Surgeons must be cognizant of the problem and adjust prescribing practices accordingly.

Author List

Rock AN, Akakpo K, Cheresnick C, Zmistowksi BM, Essig GF Jr, Chio E, Nogan S

Author

Kenneth Akakpo MD Assistant Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Analgesics, Opioid
Drug Prescriptions
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nasal Septum
Pain Management
Pain, Postoperative
Postoperative Period
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Rhinoplasty
Young Adult