Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
24.5K
Reducing Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Opioid Prescribing: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Shaunak N Amin1, Trey Thompson2, Xing Wang3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Summary
Reducing opioid prescriptions after tonsillectomy safely decreased oxycodone doses by 43% without impacting patient outcomes. This responsible opioid stewardship improves care by lowering prescription risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Posttonsillectomy pain is a common surgical morbidity.
- Opioids are frequently used but carry risks like respiratory depression and misuse.
- Responsible opioid stewardship is crucial for prescribing surgeons.
Conclusions:
- Provider education and standardized protocols can safely reduce opioid prescribing after tonsillectomy.
- This approach to opioid stewardship did not negatively affect patient outcomes.
- Further PDSA cycles may explore even lower opioid prescription quantities.
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