Decreased Opioid Use and Equivalent Pain Score Outcomes After Robotic Urologic Surgery Using a Simplified Opioid...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pain Management
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Robotic urologic surgery is increasingly common.
• Opioid consumption post-surgery is a significant concern.
• Effective pain management strategies are needed to reduce opioid reliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a simplified opioid minimization (OM) protocol.
• To decrease opioid consumption after robotic urologic surgery.
• To assess the impact on patient-reported pain and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study comparing an opioid control (OC) cohort with an opioid minimization (OM) protocol cohort.
• 103 patients undergoing robotic urologic surgery at a safety-net hospital.
• Validated surveys assessed pain and satisfaction on postoperative days 2 and 7; opioid dispensation records were reviewed.

Main Results:

• Total opioid use decreased by 68% in the OM cohort compared to the OC cohort (32.5 vs. 100 MME).
• Opioids prescribed at discharge were significantly lower in the OM cohort (0 vs. 75 MME).
• No significant differences in pain severity or satisfaction were observed between the cohorts on postoperative days 2 and 7.

Conclusions:

• A simplified opioid minimization protocol effectively reduced opioid consumption post-robotic urologic surgery.
• The protocol achieved significant opioid reduction without negatively impacting patient pain or satisfaction.
• This highlights a successful strategy for opioid stewardship in urologic surgery.