Risk Factors for Postoperative Narcotic Use in Benign, Minimally-Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

To evaluate postoperative opioid use after benign minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery and assess the impact of a patient educational intervention regarding proper opioid use/disposal.

Educational pamphlets were provided preoperatively. Patients underwent hysterectomy, myomectomy, or other laparoscopic procedures. Opioid prescriptions were standardized with 25 tablets oxycodone 5mg for hysterectomy/myomectomy, 10 tablets oxycodone 5mg for LSC (oral morphine equivalents were maintained for alternatives). Pill diaries were reviewed and patient surveys completed during postoperative visits.

Of 106 consented patients, 65 (61%) completed their pill diaries. Median opioid use was 35 OME for hysterectomy (∼5 oxycodone tablets; IQR 11.25-102.5), 30 OME for myomectomy (∼4 tablets; IQR 15-75), and 18.75 OME for laparoscopy (∼3 tablets; IQR 7.5-48.75). Median last post-operative day (d) of use was 3d for hysterectomy (IQR 2, 8), 4d for myomectomy (IQR 1, 7), and 2d for laparoscopy (IQR 0.5-3.5). One patient (myomectomy) required a refill of 5mg oxycodone. No difference was found between total opioid use and presence of pelvic pain, chronic pain disorders, or psychiatric co-morbidities. Overall satisfaction with pain control (>4 on a 5-point Likert scale) was 91% for hysterectomy, 100% for myomectomy, 83% for laparoscopy. Of the 33 patients who read the pamphlet, 32(97%) felt it increased their awareness.

Most patients required <10 oxycodone 5mg tablets, regardless of procedure with excellent patient satisfaction. A patient education pamphlet is a simple method to increase knowledge regarding the opioid epidemic and facilitate proper medication disposal.