A multi-center analysis of cumulative inpatient opioid use in colorectal surgery patients

There are little data on risk factors for increased inpatient opioid use and its relationship with persistent opioid use after colorectal surgery.

We identified colorectal surgery patients across five collaborating institutions. Patient comorbidities, surgery data, and outcomes were captured in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We recorded preoperative opioid exposure, inpatient opioid use, and persistent use 90-180 days after surgery.

1646 patients were analyzed. Patients receiving ≥250 MMEs (top quartile) were included in the high use group. On multivariable analysis, age <65, emergent surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, and postoperative complications, but not prior opioid exposure, were predictive of high opioid use. Patients in the top quartile of use had an increased risk of persistent opioid use (19.8% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariable analysis (OR 1.48; p = 0.037).

We identified risk factors for high inpatient use that can be used to identify patients that may benefit from opioid sparing strategies. Furthermore, high postoperative inpatient use was associated with an increased risk of persistent opioid use.