Clinical and surgical factors associated with opioid refill rates following septorhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty is one the most common class of procedures performed worldwide, and opioids are frequently prescribed for post-operative pain [1].

The objective of this study was to examine the rate of post-operative opioid prescription refills following septorhinoplasty.

This study was a case-control study of patients who underwent septoplasty and other secondary concomitant procedures.

Of the 249 patients included in this study, the majority of patients (94.8%) were prescribed 12 tablets of hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5 mg - 325 mg and only 31 patients (13.3%) received refills. The presence of osteotomies and history of prior opioid use were associated with refills. Nasal valve repair type, open versus closed approach, and presence of autologous auricular cartilage graft harvest were not.

Our study highlights factors that surgeons should consider when prescribing opioids after septorhinoplasty. Twelve tablets of an opioid are likely sufficient for the majority of patients, but if osteotomies are performed or the patient has a history of prior opioid use, more may be indicated to avoid the need for refills. Additional narcotics are not necessary for an open approach or for patients in which auricular cartilage is needed.