Postoperative Opioid Utilization in Older Women Undergoing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

The objective of this study was to determine total postoperative opioid consumption by women 60 years and older during the first week after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. We secondarily aimed to describe opioid prescribing patterns in this cohort.

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study assessing changes in cognition in women 60 years and older undergoing prolapse surgery. Postoperative opioid use at home during the first week was collected through daily self-reported diary entries. Total postoperative opioid consumption was calculated by adding opioid administration in the postoperative anesthesia recovery unit, inpatient setting, and home opioid use (as documented in diary). Regression models were used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with total postoperative opioid consumption in the top quartile of this cohort and home opioid use.

Data from 80 women were analyzed. Mean ± SD age was 71.78 ± 6.14 years (range, 60-88 years). Fifty women (62.5%) underwent vaginal surgery, and 30 (7.5%) underwent laparoscopic/robotic surgery, with concomitant hysterectomy in 47 (58.8%). The median (interquartile range) total morphine milligram equivalents used during the first week after surgery was 30 (7.5-65.75). The median (interquartile range) total morphine milligram equivalents prescribed was 225 (150-225).

Opioid consumption after prolapse surgery in older women is very modest and equates to a median (interquartile range) of 4 (1-9) oxycodone (5 mg) tablets. Opioid prescribing patterns should be adjusted accordingly.