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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
04:02
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: Choledochoscopic Stone Extraction and Primary Duct Suture
Published on: November 25, 2025
94
Post-discharge opioid prescribing after laparoscopic appendicectomy and cholecystectomy
Jie Zhao1,2, Luke Peters1,2, Scott Gelzinnis2
1Hunter Surgical Clinical Research Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|May 13, 2020
Summary
Australian surgical patients received fewer opioids upon discharge compared to US data. Wide prescribing variations highlight the need for improved opioid prescriber training to prevent over-prescription.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Surgical Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioid over-prescription post-surgery is a global health concern.
- Limited research exists on this issue in Australia.
- This study addresses opioid prescribing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and appendicectomy (LA) in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review opioid prescribing practices for LC and LA patients at discharge in an Australian hospital.
- To identify factors influencing medical officers' opioid prescribing habits.
- To compare Australian prescribing rates with international data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study.
- Analysis of opioid prescribing for LC and LA patients over 12 months.
- Data collected from an Australian tertiary referral hospital.
Main Results:
- A total of 435 patients received a mean discharge opioid dose of 25 oral morphine equivalents.
- Opioid prescriptions were significantly lower for elective procedures (10%) versus non-elective (42%).
- A decreasing trend in opioid prescribing was observed with increasing Junior Medical Officer clinical experience.
Conclusions:
- Australian discharge opioid prescribing for LC and LA is lower than reported in the US.
- Significant diversity in prescribing practices was observed.
- Enhanced training for opioid prescribers is recommended to mitigate over-prescription.
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