Opioid prescribing linked to postop opioid consumption

Editor's Note

Excessive opioid prescribing was associated with higher postoperative opioid consumption in this study.

In this analysis of 2,392 surgical patients, the quantity of opioids prescribed was significantly higher than opioid consumption, with patients reporting using only 27% of the opioids prescribed to them.

Prescription size had the strongest association with postoperative opioid consumption, with patients using an additional five pills for every 10 extra pills prescribed, even after controlling for postoperative pain and other factors.

The use of patient-reported opioid consumption will help match postoperative opioid prescribing to patient opioid requirements, the researchers say.