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Preoperative Opioid Use and its Association with Postoperative Complications

  • 0Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Journal of Substance Use +

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June 27, 2025

|

June 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Preoperative opioid use increases the risk of postoperative complications and hospital readmissions. This finding highlights the need for careful consideration of opioid prescribing habits before surgery.

Area Of Science

  • Pain Management
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Public Health

Background

  • Opioid use poses significant risks, prompting a search for alternatives in pain management.
  • Preoperative opioid use is linked to adverse patient and clinical outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of preoperative opioid use is crucial for improving surgical care.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the association between preoperative opioid use and postoperative outcomes.
  • To analyze this relationship across various surgical disciplines.
  • To utilize statewide population databases for comprehensive insights.

Main Methods

  • A cohort of adult patients undergoing surgery between 2013-2016 was identified.
  • Data from the Utah All Payers Claims Database and Utah Population Database were used.
  • Preoperative opioid prescription (within one year prior) was the key independent variable, with postoperative complications and hospital admissions as primary outcomes.

Main Results

  • Preoperative opioid use was associated with a 1.28 increased odds of any complication.
  • Depression (OR 1.17) and drug misuse (OR 1.41) also correlated with higher complication risks.
  • Hospital readmission rates were significantly higher in the preoperative opioid group (19.43%) versus opioid-naïve patients (12.44%).

Conclusions

  • Preoperative opioid use is a significant risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes.
  • Findings can inform clinical practice and guide perioperative prescribing decisions.
  • Enhanced patient-physician communication regarding opioid use is recommended.

Keywords:

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