Oxycodone Use During the Postoperative Period After Hysterectomy for Benign Indications

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure for benign gynecological conditions.
• Pain management and opioid consumption are significant concerns in the postoperative period.
• Estimating the required dosage of oxycodone is crucial for effective pain control and minimizing opioid use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the number of oxycodone tablets needed for pain management in the two weeks following laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH).
• To compare postoperative oxycodone consumption between LH and VH procedures for benign diseases.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving women aged 18+ undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.
• Participants completed daily pain surveys and recorded oxycodone and other pain medication intake for two weeks post-surgery.
• The primary outcome measured was the median number of 5 mg oxycodone tablets consumed within the two-week postoperative period.

Main Results:

• Eighty-one women underwent VH and 82 underwent LH.
• Women in the VH group consumed significantly fewer oxycodone tablets (median 4.5) compared to the LH group (median 7; P=0.047).
• The VH group also required oxycodone for fewer days post-discharge (median 1 day) than the LH group (median 3 days; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Postoperative oxycodone consumption after minimally invasive hysterectomy is lower than previously estimated.
• Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) patients may require less oxycodone for pain management compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) patients.