Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations
Key Points
Key Points
- Prescribing opioids has come under scrutiny due to the nationwide epidemic of opioid dependence and overdose-related deaths.
- Data on opioids misuse includes:
- Chronic pain patients
- Misuse: 21% – 29%
- Addiction: 8% – 12%
- 10% chronic misuse after short-stay surgery
- 40% of misuse is from diverted opioids
- Chronic pain patients
- Otolaryngologists are over-represented in prescribing opioids to Medicare patients, accounting for 10% of all surgeons’ prescriptions.
- This summary applies to patients of any age who require treatment for anticipated or reported pain within 30 days after undergoing common otolaryngologic procedures.
| For the Purpose of this Guideline, the Authors Adopted the Following Definitions: | |
|---|---|
| Pain | An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage and is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. |
| Postoperative period | The period of patient recovery up to 30 days after a surgical procedure. |
| Opioids | A class of medications that interact with opioid receptors, have addictive potential, and are used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. They are legally available for health care providers to prescribe as synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and others. |
| Analgesia | The absence or reduction of pain in response to stimulation that would normally be painful. |
| Opioid use disorder (OUD) | When individuals are unable to cease or appropriately reduce opioids and their opioid use negatively impacts work, school, or social responsibilities. |
| Opioid diversion | The transfer of prescription pain medications from the intended person to another person. |
Management
...Manag...
...Key Action Stat...
...nPrior to surgery, clinicians should advise patien...
...fying FactorsPrior to surgery, clinicians shou...
...s for Opioid Use Disorder Prior to surgery, c...
...Patients at Risk for OUDIn patients at risk for OU...
.... Shared Decision MakingClinicians should promot...
...TherapyClinicians should develop a...
...lgesiaClinicians should advocate for nono...
...PrescribingWhen treating postoperative pai...
...ient FeedbackClinicians should instruct pa...
...n MedicationsClinicians should educate p...
...Disposal of OpioidsClinicians should re...
...ssessment of Pain Control with OpioidsCl...
...n of Analgesia Use and Severity of Pain Af...
...3. Risk Factors for OUDHaving trouble viewing...
.... Risks and Benefits of Analgesic Medication C...
...istribution in Opioid Consumption After C...
...Source of Misused Prescription Pain Medi...
...igure 2. Secure Storage and Disposal of...
...e 3. Patient Education Materials on Postoperative...
...ds Guideline Key Action Statements...
Patient Information
...Patient Information...
...ormation Frequently Asked Questions Abo...
...bbreviated List of Medicines Recommended for Dispo...
Table 7. Frequently Asked Questions Compar...