Prediction Model for Outpatient Opioid Use Following the Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum with cryoablation (MIRPE-C) is a common procedure.
• Optimizing outpatient opioid use is crucial to balance pain control and minimize unused prescriptions.
• Predictive models can aid in tailoring opioid prescriptions post-MIRPE-C.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a predictive model for outpatient opioid consumption following MIRPE-C.
• To identify factors influencing postoperative opioid requirements.
• To create a tool for precise opioid prescription in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 68 patients (<21 years) undergoing MIRPE-C.
• Analysis of demographic, clinical, inpatient, and outpatient opioid use data.
• Simple linear regression to establish a predictive equation for outpatient opioid needs.

Main Results:

• Inpatient opioid use was significantly associated with outpatient opioid consumption.
• Patient factors did not correlate with outpatient opioid use.
• A predictive model was developed: #OUTPATIENT OPIOID TABLETS = 3 + (0.82 x #INPATIENT OPIOID RECEIVED).

Conclusions:

• The developed model offers a simple method to predict and tailor outpatient opioid prescriptions.
• This approach can enhance pain management while reducing opioid over-prescription and refills.
• The model aims to optimize opioid use in pediatric patients post-MIRPE-C.