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Published on: February 17, 2018
Opioids add risk without improving outcomes after outpatient inguinal hernia surgery: A prospective cohort study
Arkadii Sipok1, Sophia Dort2, Saima Shafique1
1Department of Surgery, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA.
Background:
Opioids are often prescribed after outpatient inguinal hernia repair despite limited evidence of benefit and well-documented risks. We evaluated their impact on complications and patient-reported outcomes.
Methods:
This prospective observational study enrolled adults undergoing outpatient inguinal hernia repair (June 2022-October 2024) at a single institution. Pain, satisfaction, hernia-related quality of life (HerQLes), and early (≤1 week) and late (12 weeks) complications were assessed. Opioid use was quantified in morphine milligram equivalents. Logistic regression adjusted for age and comorbidity estimated complication risk.
Results:
Among 110 patients, 16 (14.5 %) used opioids. Opioid use was associated with higher early (50 % vs 43.6 %) and late (43.8 % vs 40 %) complications (AOR 1.12, p = .018), with no improvement in pain, medication satisfaction, or quality of life over time.
Conclusions:
Even after low-risk surgery, opioids may add harm without benefit. Opioid-sparing regimens should be prioritized for outpatient inguinal hernia repair.
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