Reduction in Opioid Prescribing Using a Postoperative Pain Management Protocol following Scrotal and Subinguinal...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Opioid pain medication is frequently overprescribed, leading to increased costs and potential for abuse.
• Understanding postoperative pain and opioid use after scrotal and subinguinal urological surgery is crucial for effective pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze opioid prescribing and usage patterns after scrotal and subinguinal urological surgery.
• To develop and evaluate a standardized postoperative pain management protocol to reduce opioid overprescribing.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of opioid prescribing and usage in 20 patients.
• Development of a protocol including enhanced patient education and limited outpatient opioid prescriptions.
• Outcomes analysis of 60 patients post-protocol implementation using questionnaires and statistical analysis (Wilcoxon rank sum test, ANOVA, linear regression).

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in the number of opioid tablets prescribed was observed post-protocol (20 to 10 tablets).
• No significant difference in actual opioid usage was found between pre- and post-protocol groups (median usage 3.5 vs. 3 tablets).
• The protocol successfully reduced opioid prescribing without compromising postoperative pain management.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative pain management for urological procedures often involves excessive opioid prescribing compared to patient needs.
• The developed protocol effectively reduced opioid prescription quantities without negatively impacting pain relief.
• Adjunct pain management strategies and enhanced patient education can improve outcomes and decrease opioid reliance, abuse, and costs.