Postoperative Prescription Patterns After Sleep Surgery: An International Provider Survey Study

To characterize international opioid prescribing patterns among otolaryngologists performing sleep surgery.

Cross-sectional online survey of otolaryngologists and health care professionals who are members of the International Sleep Surgical Society (ISSS).

Surveys were completed by 88 respondents representing an international group of providers from North America (34%), Europe (30%), and South America (24%). Twenty-two (25%) were from the United States (US). Opioids were routinely prescribed after palate surgery by 87% of providers, with 95% of US surgeons prescribing opioids to all post-palatoplasty patients compared to 32% of international surgeons. The average number of opioid tablets per patient after palatopharyngoplasty was > 25 tablets for 57% of US providers compared to 8% of international providers out of 86 total respondents. After HNS surgery, 70% (n = 19) of 27 respondents prescribed postoperative opioids, including 90% of US providers, compared to 0% of international providers. Important patient factors influencing provider prescription choices were patient history of chronic pain or chronic opioid use, age, and patient preference. Concerns about opioid abuse, studies on non-opioid analgesia, and adequate control of patients' pain were major underlying themes in influencing opioid prescription patterns after sleep surgery.

International survey of sleep surgeons reveals diverse opioid prescribing patterns after palate and hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgeries. Patient factors, provider preferences, and concerns about opioid abuse influence prescription decisions and highlight the complex considerations involved in pain management.