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A prospective study of opioid use for postoperative pain management after breast operation
Kristen E Limbach1, SuEllen J Pommier1, Kristen P Massimino2
1Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
Background:
The opioid epidemic has necessitated increased attention to prescribing practices. This study seeks to prospectively quantify postoperative opioid use after breast operation.
Methods:
Consecutive patients undergoing breast operation at a single institution in 2018 prospectively tracked each dose of medication and completed a survey of perceptions regarding their opioid prescription.
Results:
Of 100 patients, 88 completed log, survey, or both. The tab quantity required to fulfill the needs of 80% of patients was: Partial mastectomy (PM) 3, PM with sentinel lymph node biopsy 6, PM with bilateral reduction 8, total mastectomy 34, and bilateral mastectomy 47. Of survey respondents, 51.2% felt they had been prescribed too much pain medication. Most (83.0%) had leftover tabs, and 67.9% indicated they kept them in their home.
Conclusions:
The majority of patients were overprescribed opioids after breast operation. A reduction could be achieved by targeting the needs of 80% of the population.
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