Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
24.9K
Opioid prescribing practices for pediatric tonsillectomy before and after policy interventions
Daniel Gerges1,2, Nicole Wershoven2, Richard Hubbell1,2
1Division of Otolaryngology University of Vermont Medical Center Burlington Vermont USA.
Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
|April 18, 2022
Summary
Statewide opioid prescribing policies significantly reduced opioid prescriptions for pediatric tonsillectomy patients. This change did not increase pain calls, readmissions, or emergency visits, demonstrating effective policy impact.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Opioid prescribing after pediatric tonsillectomy is a significant concern.
- Statewide policy interventions aim to curb opioid use in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of statewide opioid prescribing policy interventions on pediatric tonsillectomy patients.
- To assess changes in opioid prescribing patterns before and after policy implementation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy.
- Comparison of opioid prescribing data from one year pre-policy (July 2016-June 2017) and one year post-policy (July 2017-June 2018).
- Data included demographics, procedure details, opioid prescriptions, and postoperative outcomes like calls and emergency department visits.
Main Results:
- Opioid prescription rates decreased significantly from 49.7% pre-policy to 15.4% post-policy.
- For patients aged 6 years and older, opioid receipt dropped from 95.8% to 25.2%.
- No significant differences were observed in pain-related calls, postdischarge opioid prescriptions, or emergency department visits between the two periods.
Conclusions:
- Statewide policy interventions effectively reduced opioid prescribing for pediatric tonsillectomy.
- These policies can be implemented without negatively impacting patient pain management or increasing healthcare utilization for complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
189
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
189
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
5.7K
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
5.7K
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
871
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
871
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
460
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
460
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
416
In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
416
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
396
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
396