Prescription patterns and opioid usage in sinonasal surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pain Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Excessive opioid use post-surgery is a significant contributor to opiate misuse and diversion.
• Understanding opioid prescribing and utilization is crucial for developing effective practice protocols in sinonasal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing variable opioid usage after sinonasal surgery.
• To define optimal opioid prescription patterns for sinonasal procedures.

Main Methods:

• Electronic postoperative surveys were administered to patients undergoing sinonasal surgery.
• Data collected included opioid consumption, pain control, prior opioid use, and disposal practices.
• Electronic medical records provided demographic and surgical details, including prescribed opioid amounts.

Main Results:

• A mean of 25.3 opioid tablets were prescribed, but only 11.8 were used, indicating overprescription in 84.9% of cases.
• The addition of septoplasty/turbinoplasty correlated with varied opioid usage (p < 0.001).
• Incorrect storage or disposal of excess opioids was reported by 76.1% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Opioid overprescription is prevalent following sinonasal surgery.
• Prescription amounts should be reduced and tailored to specific procedures.
• Enhanced patient education on safe narcotic disposal is needed to mitigate diversion risks.