Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Opioid Prescribing Patterns After Micrographic Surgery: A Follow-up Retrospective Chart Review
Jessica M Donigan1, Abigail I Franco2, Gregory J Stoddard3
1School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Background:
The abuse of opioids has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and leftover medications are a primary source for nonmedical pain relievers. A past study at the University of Utah showed that micrographic surgeons were likely overprescribing opioids, with 35% of patients receiving a postoperative prescription.
Objective:
To examine the current opioid prescribing habits of the micrographic surgeons at the University of Utah compared with those in 2010.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of the patient records of 4 micrographic surgeons between February and May 2017.
Results:
Four hundred patient visits were reviewed. An opioid prescription was provided after 12% of encounters, 23% lower than in 2010 (p = .004). Younger patient age, increased number of stages and defect size, repair of the defect, and particular surgeons predicted opioid prescription.
Conclusion:
The percentage of patients who received an opioid prescription after undergoing micrographic surgery at the University of Utah decreased from 35% in 2010 to 12% in 2017. Reports of the minimal need of opioids after micrographic surgery, the authors' past study showing an institutional tendency to overprescribe, and reports of the national opioid epidemic likely all contributed to the decrease in opioid prescriptions at the authors' institution.
Insights
Opioid prescriptions after micrographic surgery at the University of Utah dropped significantly from 35% to 12%. This reduction in opioid prescribing reflects a positive trend in managing pain medication post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioid abuse is a national epidemic, with prescription drugs being a major source.
- Previous research indicated micrographic surgeons may have overprescribed opioids, with 35% of patients receiving prescriptions post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare current opioid prescribing practices of micrographic surgeons with 2010 data.
- To assess changes in postoperative opioid prescription rates.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of patient records from 4 micrographic surgeons.
- Analysis of 400 patient visits between February and May 2017.
Main Results:
- Opioid prescriptions were issued in 12% of encounters, a 23% decrease from 2010 (p = .004).
- Factors influencing prescription included younger patient age, increased surgical stages, larger defect size, defect repair, and surgeon preference.
Conclusions:
- Opioid prescriptions following micrographic surgery at the University of Utah decreased from 35% in 2010 to 12% in 2017.
- This decline is likely due to increased awareness of the opioid epidemic, recognition of minimal opioid need post-procedure, and prior findings of institutional overprescribing.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
01:12Run Charts
01:02The R Chart
R charts are pivotal for pinpointing shifts in process variability. Stability is indicated when all data points remain within the defined upper and lower...
00:52Pareto Chart
The Pareto chart is named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who described the Pareto...
01:22Interpreting R Charts
An R chart plots the range of subsets of measurements collected from a process. Each point on the chart represents the range—defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum...
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview