scholarly journals Opioid stewardship after emergency laparoscopic general surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celina Nahanni ◽  
Ashlie Nadler ◽  
Avery B Nathens

BackgroundOpioid administration in postoperative patients has contributed to the opioid crisis by increasing the load of opioids available in the community. Implementation of evidence-based practices is key to optimizing the use of opioids for acute pain control. This study aims to characterize the administration and prescribing practices after emergency laparoscopic general surgery procedures with the goal of identifying areas for improvement.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 200 patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic appendectomies and cholecystectomies was conducted for a 2-year period at a single institution. Eligible patients were opioid-naïve adults admitted through the emergency department. Opioid administration and discharge prescriptions were converted to oral morphine equivalents (OME), and analyzed and compared with published literature and local guidelines.ResultsOpioid analgesia was provided as needed to 69% of patients in hospital with average dosing of 26.7 OME/day; comparatively, 99.5% of patients received prescriptions for opioids on discharge at an average dosing of 61.7 OME/day. The average dosing in the discharge prescriptions was not correlated with in-hospital needs (Pearson=−0.04; p=0.56); and higher narcotic doses were associated with combination opioid prescriptions compared with separate opioid prescriptions (73.8 (1.90) vs. 50.1 (1.90) OME/day; p<0.01). This difference was driven by the combination medication, Percocet.ConclusionsIn the immediate postoperative period, most patients were managed in hospital with opioid analgesia dosages that fell within guidelines. Nearly all patients were provided with prescriptions for opioids on discharge, these prescriptions both exceeded local guidelines and were not correlated with in-hospital narcotic needs or pain scores.Level of evidenceLevel 3 retrospective cohort study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 389-405
Author(s):  
Gregory Smith, MD ◽  
Marcel E. Durieux, MD, PhD ◽  
Siny Tsang, PhD ◽  
Bhiken I. Naik, MBBCh

Objective: Characterize changes in intraoperative opioid and non-opioid administration over time and to evaluate self-reported pain scores in the immediate postoperative period.Design: Single-center retrospective longitudinal study.Setting: Academic medical center.Patients, participants: All patients presenting for surgery between 2011 and 2017 in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.Main outcome measure(s): Determine total intraoperative opioid administration using intravenous oral morphine equivalents standardized to weight and intraoperative non-opioid use. Furthermore, postoperative self-reported pain scores within 2 hours of completion of surgery are reported.Results: A total of 112,167 individual cases were identified from March 2011 to June 2017. There was a sustained and significant reduction in intraoperative mean and median opioid administration [2011: 0.16 ± 0.15 mg/kg and 0.13 (0-4.92) mg/kg vs 2017: 0.09 ± 0.09 mg/kg and 0.07 (0-4.17) mg/kg]. These effects are seen in emergent vs elective surgery, ambulatory vs inpatient, preoperative opioid use vs no preoperative opioid use, and those with and without intraoperative loco-regional procedures. Although median number of intraoperative non-opioid analgesic agents was unchanged over time, average difference in the number of intraoperative non-opioids increased over time. Finally, pain scores decreased over time [2011: mean (standard deviation) and median (range): 5.1 ± 2.62 and 5.4 (0-10) vs 2017: 3.29 ± 3.27 and 3 (0-10)].Conclusion: This study confirms that intraoperative opioid use has decreased over time with increased utilization of non-opioid analgesic adjuncts and a commensurate decrease in immediate postoperative pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-185
Author(s):  
Megan E. Phillips ◽  
Rod A. Gilmore ◽  
Melody C. Sheffield ◽  
Stephanie V. Phan

Purpose: To compare pain assessment documentation postopioid administration in hospitalized patients before and after implementing nurse education. Methods: Patients 18 years and older were randomly selected for inclusion if they received 1 opioid dose while admitted to the hospital. Through retrospective chart review, opioid data, including date and time, were collected for each opioid administered. Pain score data, including time and date of documentation, were recorded for analysis. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a nursing education intervention would improve documentation of pain scores within an appropriate time frame postadministration of an opioid medication. The intervention was a training presentation uploaded to the institution’s intranet with an assessment. The primary outcome was measured by comparing the frequency by which nurses documented pain scores following opioid administration before and after education. Results: Three hundred twenty patients (160 patients per time period) were evaluated. The percentage of pain scores recorded within the appropriate assessment time following opioid administration increased from 32.9% to 37.8% ( P = .003). The proportion of appropriate pain score documentation increased 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%-8.2%). Conclusion: An increase in the documentation of efficacy assessments after opioid administration was demonstrated after nursing education. Further studies should be done to identify additional strategies to increase monitoring as well as to identify a benchmark for institutions with regard to pain management monitoring.


Author(s):  
Jesus M. Villa ◽  
Tejbir S. Pannu ◽  
Carlos A. Higuera ◽  
Juan C. Suarez ◽  
Preetesh D. Patel ◽  
...  

AbstractHospital adverse events remain a significant issue; even “minor events” may lead to increased costs. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous investigation has compared perioperative events between the first and second hip in staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the current study, we perform such a comparison. A retrospective chart review was performed on a consecutive series of 172 patients (344 hips) who underwent staged bilateral THAs performed by two surgeons at a single institution (2010–2016). Based on chronological order of the staged arthroplasties, two groups were set apart: first-staged THA and second-staged THA. Baseline-demographics, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, hospital adverse events, and hospital transfusions were compared between groups. Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests, Fisher's exact test, and/or Pearson's chi-squared test. The mean time between staged surgeries was 465 days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between first-staged THA and second-staged THA groups (patients were their own controls). The mean LOS was significantly longer in the first-staged THA group than in the second (2.2 vs. 1.8 days; p < 0.001). Discharge (proportion) to a facility other than home was noticeably higher in the first-staged THA group, although not statistically significant (11.0 vs. 7.6%; p = 0.354). The rate of hospital adverse events in the first-staged THA group was almost twice that of the second (37.2 vs. 20.3%; p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in transfusion rates. However, these were consistently better in the second-staged THA group. When compared with the first THA, our findings suggest overall shorter LOS and fewer hospital adverse events following the second. Level of Evidence Level III.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P Scoville ◽  
Evan Joyce ◽  
Joshua Hunsaker ◽  
Jared Reese ◽  
Herschel Wilde ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to decrease length of hospital stay and opioid use. OBJECTIVE To identify whether surgery for epilepsy mapping via MIS stereotactically placed electroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes decreased overall opioid use when compared with craniotomy for EEG grid placement (ECoG). METHODS Patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy mapping, either SEEG or ECoG, were identified through retrospective chart review from 2015 through 2018. The hospital stay was separated into specific time periods to distinguish opioid use immediately postoperatively, throughout the rest of the stay and at discharge. The total amount of opioids consumed during each period was calculated by transforming all types of opioids into their morphine equivalents (ME). Pain scores were also collected using a modification of the Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA) scale. The 2 surgical groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The study identified 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 36 underwent SEEG placement and 17 underwent craniotomy grid placement. There was a statistically significant difference in median opioid consumption per hospital stay between the ECoG and the SEEG placement groups, 307.8 vs 71.5 ME, respectively (P = .0011). There was also a significant difference in CAPA scales between the 2 groups (P = .0117). CONCLUSION Opioid use is significantly lower in patients who undergo MIS epilepsy mapping via SEEG compared with those who undergo the more invasive ECoG procedure. As part of efforts to decrease the overall opioid burden, these results should be considered by patients and surgeons when deciding on surgical methods.


2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812097051
Author(s):  
Alicia Wang ◽  
Guangwei Zhou ◽  
Kosuke Kawai ◽  
Michael O’Brien ◽  
A. Eliot Shearer ◽  
...  

Background: Dizziness after concussion is primarily attributed to effects on the brain, but traumatic inner ear disorders can also contribute. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder that can result from minor head trauma and can be easily diagnosed and rapidly treated in an office setting. The role of BPPV in pediatric postconcussive dizziness has not been well-studied. Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of BPPV in a group of pediatric patients with concussion and prolonged dizziness after concussion. Study Design: Case-control study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Retrospective review of 102 patients seen within the past 3 years in a pediatric multidisciplinary concussion clinic for evaluation of postconcussive dizziness. Results: BPPV was diagnosed in 29.4% (30/102) of patients with postconcussion syndrome and dizziness. All patients with BPPV were treated with repositioning maneuvers, except for 5 patients who had spontaneous resolution of symptoms. Patients were evaluated at an average of 18.8 weeks (SD, 16.4 weeks) after the injury. BPPV was diagnosed at similar rates regardless of gender or age group (children vs adolescents). The mean Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score did not differ significantly between patients with (58.3 [SD, 22.5]) or without BPPV (55.8 [SD, 29.4]; P = 0.39). The PCSS “balance problems or dizziness” subscore also did not differ between patients with (3.3 [SD, 1.7]) or without BPPV (2.8 [SD, 1.6]; P = 0.13). Conclusion: BPPV is fairly common in pediatric concussion, occurring in one-third of the patients studied. BPPV is often not diagnosed and treated until many weeks after the injury. Increased awareness of the evaluation and management of BPPV among pediatric concussion providers may help expedite resolution of dizziness and hasten overall recovery in affected patients. Clinical Relevance: BPPV is a treatable cause of dizziness caused by minor head injuries and is more common than previously reported in pediatric patients with concussion. Improved awareness of BPPV by concussion providers may expedite recovery.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110129
Author(s):  
Randall S. Ruffner ◽  
Jessica W. Scordino

Objectives During septoplasty, normal cartilage and bone are often sent for pathologic examination despite benign appearance. We explored pathology results following septoplasty from April 2016 to April 2018, examining clinical value and relevance, implications, and cost analysis. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Single-institution academic medical center. Methods A retrospective chart review was compiled by using Current Procedural Terminology code 30520 for septoplasty for indication of nasal obstruction, deviated septum, and nasal deformity. Results A total of 236 consecutive cases were identified spanning a 2-year period. Septoplasty specimens were sent for pathology evaluation in 76 (31%). The decision to send a specimen for histopathology was largely physician dependent. No cases yielded unexpected or significant pathology that changed management. The average total charges for septoplasty were $10,200 at our institution, with 2.2% of procedural charges accounting for pathology preparation and review, averaging $225. Nationally, this results in an estimated charged cost of $58.5 million. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement for septoplasty pathology charges was $46 in 2018, accounting for 1.3% of hospital-based reimbursements and 2.2% of ambulatory center reimbursements. With CMS as a national model for reimbursement, $11.8 million is spent yearly for septoplasty histopathology. Given that CMS reimbursement is significantly lower than private insurers, national total reimbursement is likely considerably higher. Conclusion Routine pathology review of routine septoplasty specimens is unnecessary, unremarkable, and wasteful. Correlation of the patient’s presentation and intraoperative findings should justify the need for pathology evaluation. This value-based approach can offer significant direct and indirect cost savings. Level of evidence 4.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 585
Author(s):  
Sun-Kyung Park ◽  
Hansol Kim ◽  
Seokha Yoo ◽  
Won Ho Kim ◽  
Young-Jin Lim ◽  
...  

Individualized administration of opioids based on preoperative pain sensitivity may improve postoperative pain profiles. This study aimed to examine whether a predicted administration of opioids could reduce opioid-related adverse effects after gynecological surgery. Patients were randomized to the predicted group or control group. Participants received a preoperative sensory test to measure pressure pain thresholds. Patients were treated with a higher or lower (15 or 10 μg/mL) dose of fentanyl via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. The opioid dose was determined according to pain sensitivity in the predicted group, while it was determined regardless of pain sensitivity in the control group. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea over the first 48 h postoperative period. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements. There was no difference in the incidence of nausea (40.0% vs. 52.5% in predicted and control groups, respectively; p = 0.191) and postoperative pain scores (3.3 vs. 3.5 in predicted and control groups, respectively; p = 0.691). However, opioid consumptions were lower in the predicted group compared to the control group (median 406.0 vs. 526.5 μg; p = 0.042). This study showed that offering a predicted dose of opioids according to pain sensitivity did not affect the incidence of nausea and pain scores.


2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Thillemann ◽  
T. M. Thillemann ◽  
B. Munk ◽  
K. Krøner

We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 42 Motec thumb carpometacarpal total joint arthroplasties. The primary endpoint was revision with implant removal and trapeziectomy. At follow-up the disability of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score, pain on numerical rating scale at rest and with activity and serum chrome and cobalt concentrations were assessed for both unrevised and revised patients. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, 17 patients had been revised. The 2 year cumulative revision rate was 42% (95% CI, 28–60%). The DASH score and pain scores at rest and with activity were comparable between the patients whose thumbs remained unrevised and those revised. Patients with elevated serum chrome and cobalt levels had significantly higher DASH and pain scores, but elevated levels were not associated with revision. The revision rate in this study is unacceptably high. However, pain and DASH scores after revision are acceptable and comparable with patients with non-revised implants. Level of evidence: IV


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bengt-Ola S. Bengtsson ◽  
John P. van Houten

AbstractObjectiveSeveral cases of isolated localized edema of the genital area in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants within the last 5 years prompted a search for possible explanations and a search of the literature.Study designA retrospective chart review of all cases of localized genital area edema in our 16-bed community level-3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 2007 and December 2017.ResultsA total of six patients with localized edema of the genital area were found. Among the six cases, five provided descriptions of time of onset. Only one case had a plausible etiology [inguinal hernia (IH)].ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this entity is not well described in the literature. Etiologies are speculative. Prolonged observation in the NICU by virtue of ELBW-status suggests that there are no detrimental effects, the condition does not appear to preclude discharge and cautious expectant management and reassurance are therefore in order.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra E. Klein ◽  
Kevin E. Varner ◽  
John V. Marymont

Background: Lateral talar process fractures and peroneal tendon dislocations are frequently unrecognized at the time of injury. Lateral process fractures were initially classified by Hawkins as three types. Type II injuries are comminuted fractures involving both the talofibular and talocalcaneal articular surfaces. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to describe an injury complex of Type II lateral talar process fracture with peroneal tendon dislocation. Materials and Methods: Between January of 1995 and December 2006, 13 patients were seen for a lateral talar process fracture. Patients' charts were reviewed for fracture classification, mechanism of injury, radiographic studies, treatment, secondary procedures, length of followup and return to previous activity level. Concurrent peroneal tendon dislocations were identified in a subset of these patients. Results: Thirteen patients were identified with lateral talar process fractures all of which were classified as a Hawkins Type II. Six patients (46%) had a simultaneous peroneal tendon dislocation. All patients underwent operative excision of the comminuted lateral process. Patients with the injury complex were more likely to undergo additional operative procedures, and were more likely to develop subtalar arthritis. At final followup, 71% of patients with isolated lateral process fractures and 33% of injury complex patients had returned to their previous level of activity Conclusion: An injury complex of Hawkins Type II lateral talar process fractures and peroneal tendon dislocation exists. Patients with comminuted lateral talar process fractures, especially those resulting from high-energy injuries, should be carefully evaluated for the possibility of concurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Study


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