Effects of an opioid stewardship program on opioid consumption and related outcomes after multilevel lumbar spine fusion: a pre- and postimplementation analysis of 268 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Marie-Jacqueline Reisener ◽  
Alexander P. Hughes ◽  
Ichiro Okano ◽  
Jiaqi Zhu ◽  
Artine Arzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Stewardship Program

OBJECTIVE Opioid stewardship programs combine clinical, regulatory, and educational interventions to minimize inappropriate opioid use and prescribing for orthopedic and spine surgery. Most evaluations of stewardship programs quantify effects on prescriber behavior, whereas patient-relevant outcomes have been relatively neglected. The authors evaluated the impact of an opioid stewardship program on perioperative opioid consumption, prescribing, and related clinical outcomes after multilevel lumbar fusion. METHODS The study was based on a retrospective, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design in 268 adult patients who underwent multilevel lumbar fusion in 2016 (preimplementation, n = 141) or 2019 (postimplementation, n = 127). The primary outcome was in-hospital opioid consumption (morphine equivalent dose [MED], mg). Secondary outcomes included numeric rating scale pain scores (0–10), length of stay (LOS), incidence of opioid-induced side effects (gastrointestinal, nausea/vomiting, respiratory, sedation, cognitive), and preoperative and discharge prescribing. Outcomes were measured continuously during the hospital admission. Differences in outcomes between the epochs were assessed in bivariable (Wilcoxon signed-rank or Fisher’s exact tests) and multivariable (Wald’s chi-square test) analyses. RESULTS In bivariable analyses, there were significant decreases in preoperative opioid use (46% vs 28% of patients, p = 0.002), preoperative opioid prescribing (MED 30 mg [IQR 20–60 mg] vs 20 mg [IQR 11–39 mg], p = 0.003), in-hospital opioid consumption (MED 329 mg [IQR 188–575 mg] vs 199 mg [100–372 mg], p < 0.001), the incidence of any opioid-related side effect (62% vs 50%, p = 0.03), and discharge opioid prescribing (MED 90 mg [IQR 60–135 mg] vs 60 mg [IQR 45–80 mg], p < 0.0001) between 2016 and 2019. There were no significant differences in postanesthesia care unit pain scores (4 [IQR 3–6] vs 5 [IQR 3–6], p = 0.33), nursing floor pain scores (4 [IQR 3–5] vs 4 [IQR 3–5], p = 0.93), or total LOS (118 hours [IQR 81–173 hours] vs 103 hours [IQR 81–132 hours], p = 0.21). On multivariable analysis, the opioid stewardship program was significantly associated with decreased discharge prescribing (Wald’s chi square = 9.45, effect size −52.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] −86 to −19.0, p = 0.002). The number of lumbar levels fused had the strongest effect on total opioid consumption during the hospital stay (Wald’s chi square = 16.53, effect size = 539, 95% CI 279.1 to 799, p < 0.001), followed by preoperative opioid use (Wald’s chi square = 44.04, effect size = 5, 95% CI 4 to 7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A significant decrease in perioperative opioid prescribing, consumption, and opioid-related side effects was found after implementation of an opioid stewardship program. These gains were achieved without adverse effects on pain scores or LOS. These results suggest the major impact of opioid stewardship programs for spine surgery may be on changing prescriber behavior.

scholarly journals Influence of catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression on in-hospital opioid consumption, pain, and quality of recovery after adult spine surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren K. Dunn ◽  
Marcel E. Durieux ◽  
Lucas G. Fernández ◽  
Siny Tsang ◽  
Emily E. Smith-Straesser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Quality Of Recovery ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEPerception of perioperative pain is influenced by various psychological factors. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression on in-hospital opioid consumption, pain scores, and quality of recovery in adults who underwent spine surgery.METHODSPatients undergoing spine surgery were enrolled in this study, and the preoperatively completed questionnaires included the verbal rating scale (VRS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Quality of recovery was assessed using the 40-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire (QoR40). Opioid consumption and pain scores according to the VRS were recorded daily until discharge.RESULTSOne hundred thirty-nine patients were recruited for the study, and 101 completed the QoR40 assessment postoperatively. Patients with higher catastrophizing scores were more likely to have higher maximum pain scores postoperatively (estimate: 0.03, SE: 0.01, p = 0.02), without increased opioid use (estimate: 0.44, SE: 0.27, p = 0.11). Preoperative anxiety (estimate: 1.18, SE: 0.65, p = 0.07) and depression scores (estimate: 1.06, SE: 0.71, p = 0.14) did not correlate with increased postoperative opioid use; however, patients with higher preoperative depression scores had lower quality of recovery after surgery (estimate: −1.9, SE: 0.56, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSCatastrophizing, anxiety, and depression play important roles in modulating postoperative pain. Preoperative evaluation of these factors, utilizing a validated tool, helps to identify patients at risk. This might allow for earlier psychological intervention that could reduce pain severity and improve the quality of recovery.

scholarly journals Adoption of Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) Protocol for Lumbar Fusion Decreases In-Hospital Postoperative Opioid Consumption

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822110156
Author(s):  
Ehsan Jazini ◽  
Alexandra E. Thomson ◽  
Andre D. Sabet ◽  
Leah Y. Carreon ◽  
Rita Roy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Urinary Catheter ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Catheter Removal ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
The Impact

Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the impact of ESR on in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption, length of stay, urinary catheter removal and postoperative ambulation after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions. Methods: We evaluated patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery at a single, multi-surgeon center in the transition period prior to (N = 174) and after (N = 116) adoption of ESR, comparing in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption. Regression analysis was used to control for confounders. Secondary analysis was preformed to evaluate the association between ESR and length of stay, urinary catheter removal and ambulation after surgery. Results: Mean age study participants was 52.6 years with 62 (47%) females. Demographic characteristics were similar between the Pre-ESR and ESR groups. ESR patients had better 3-month pain scores, ambulated earlier, had urinary catheters removed earlier and decreased in-hospital opioid consumption compared to Pre-ESR patients. There was no difference in 90-day opioid consumption between the 2 groups. Regression analysis showed that ESR was strongly associated with in-hospital opioid consumption, accounting for 30% of the variability in Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME). In-hospital opioid consumption was also associated with preoperative pain scores, number of surgical levels, and insurance type (private vs government). Pre-op pain sores were associated with 90-day opioid consumption. Secondary analysis showed that ESR was associated with a shorter length of stay and earlier ambulation. Conclusions: This study showed ESR has the potential to improve recovery after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions with reduced in-hospital opioid consumption and improved postoperative pain scores.

Psychological interventions to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption: a narrative review of literature

2021 ◽  
pp. rapm-2020-102434
Author(s):  
Kevin Gorsky ◽  
Nick D Black ◽  
Ayan Niazi ◽  
Aparna Saripella ◽  
Marina Englesakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Postoperative Period ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Behavioral Modification ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Study Results

BackgroundEvidence suggests that over half of patients undergoing surgical procedures suffer from poorly controlled postoperative pain. In the context of an opioid epidemic, novel strategies for ameliorating postoperative pain and reducing opioid consumption are essential. Psychological interventions defined as strategies targeted towards reducing stress, anxiety, negative emotions and depression via education, therapy, behavioral modification and relaxation techniques are an emerging approach towards these endpoints.ObjectiveThis review explores the efficacy of psychological interventions for reducing postoperative pain and opioid use in the acute postoperative period.Evidence reviewAn extensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline In-Process/ePubs, Embase, Ovid Emcare Nursing, and PsycINFO, Web of Science (Clarivate), PubMed-NOT-Medline (NLM), CINAHL and ERIC, and two trials registries, ClinicalTrials.Gov (NIH) and WHO ICTRP. Included studies were limited to those investigating adult human subjects, and those published in English.FindingsThree distinct forms of psychological interventions were identified: relaxation, psychoeducation and behavioral modification therapy. Study results showed a reduction in both postoperative opioid use and pain scores (n=5), reduction in postoperative opioid use (n=3), reduction in postoperative pain (n=5), no significant reduction in pain or opioid use (n=7), increase in postoperative opioid use (n=1) and an increase in postoperative pain (n=1).ConclusionSome preoperative psychological interventions can reduce pain scores and opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period; however, there is a clear need to strengthen the evidence for these interventions. The optimal technique, strategies, timing and interface requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Towards Opioid-Free Elective Spine Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahilan Sivaganesan ◽  
Amanda Wright ◽  
Regis W Haid ◽  
Praveen V Mummaneni ◽  
Richard Berkman
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Average Pain ◽  
Student’S T

Abstract INTRODUCTION The opioid crisis is a national emergency. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine whether elective spine surgery can be performed without any opioids whatsoever. METHODS Every consecutive elective spine surgery performed by author R.A.B. between January 1st and December 31st of 2018 was included. For cohort A, between January and April 15th, opioids were minimized but PRN doses were given. For cohort B, between April 15th and December, the goal was to eliminate opioids altogether. Pain scores were collected at discharge, 1 wk, and 1-mo follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were collected at baseline and at 3 mo for lumbar procedures. Emergency room visits and readmissions were tracked. Student's t-tests were used to compare pain scores and PROs, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to understand drivers of opioid use. RESULTS A total of 158 patients were included. In cohort A, 37.9% of patients took no opioids between PACU and 1 mo. Average pain scores were 5.2 in PACU and 2.5 at 1 mo. In cohort B, 86.7% took no opioids after PACU. Average pain scores were 4.2 in PACU and 2.5 at 1 mo. Both cohorts had equivalent improvements in PROs. Multivariate regression revealed that, adjusting for case mix differences, cohort B had lower odds of opioid use after PACU (P < .0001). Moreover, preoperative opioid use is a driver of postoperative opioid use (P = .02), whereas procedure type/invasiveness is not. CONCLUSION We have shown that opioid-free spine surgery, including lumbar fusions, is feasible and effective. In all 87% of patients in our opioid-elimination cohort took no opioids from PACU until 1 mo after surgery, and 94% were taking none at the 1-mo visit. Pain scores and PROs were favorable. We have also shown that preoperative opioids are a driver of postoperative opioid use, however procedural invasiveness is not.

The Impact of Alvimopan on Return of Bowel Function After Major Spine Surgery – A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. E233-E239
Author(s):  
Lauren K Dunn ◽  
Robert H Thiele ◽  
Michelle C Lin ◽  
Edward C Nemergut ◽  
Marcel E Durieux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Bowel Function ◽  
Blind Study ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Pain management following major spine surgery requires high doses of opioids and is associated with a risk of opioid-induced constipation. Peripheral mu-receptor antagonists decrease the gastrointestinal complications of perioperative systemic opioid administration without antagonizing the analgesic benefits of these drugs. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of alvimopan in opioid-naive patients undergoing major spine surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing >3 levels of thoracic and/or lumbar spine surgery were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study to receive either alvimopan or placebo prior to and following surgery. Opioid consumption; pain scores; and time of first oral intake, flatus, and bowel movement were recorded. RESULTS A total of 24 patients were assigned to the active group and 25 were assigned to the placebo group. There was no significant difference in demographics between the groups. Postoperatively, the alvimopan group reported earlier time to first solid intake [median (range): alvimopan: 15 h (3-25) vs placebo: 17 h (3-46), P < .001], passing of flatus [median (range): alvimopan: 22 h (7-63) vs placebo: 28 h (10-58), P < .001], and first bowel movement [median (range): alvimopan: 50 h (22-80) vs placebo: 64 h (40-114), P < .001]. The alvimopan group had higher pain scores (maximum, minimum, and median); however, there was no significant difference between the groups with postoperative opioid use. CONCLUSION This study shows that the perioperative use of alvimopan significantly reduced the time to return of bowel function with no increase in postoperative opioid use despite a slight increase in pain scores.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-Guided Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Related Side Effects in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 4632
Author(s):  
Yeon-Ju Kim ◽  
Hyung-Tae Kim ◽  
Ha-Jung Kim ◽  
Pil-Whan Yoon ◽  
Ji-In Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Quadratus Lumborum Block ◽  
Replacement Arthroplasty ◽  
Quadratus Lumborum

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has been shown to be effective for pain relief after hip surgery. This study evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided anterior QLB in pain control after total replacement hip arthroplasty (TRHA). A total of 115 patients receiving anterior QLB were propensity score-matched with 115 patients who did not receive the block. The primary outcome was opioid consumption at 24, 24–48, and 48 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 h length of hospital stay, time to first ambulation, and the incidence of opioid-related side effects. Postoperative opioid consumption 48 h after surgery was significantly lower in the QLB group. Resting, mean, worst, and the difference of resting pain scores compared with preoperative values were significantly lower in the QLB group during the 48 postoperative hours. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the QLB group. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the QLB group during the 48 postoperative hours, except at the PACU. This study suggests that anterior QLB provides effective postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing THRA performed using the posterolateral approach.

scholarly journals Opioid Use After Common Sports Medicine Procedures: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ujash Sheth ◽  
Mitesh Mehta ◽  
Fernando Huyke ◽  
Michael A. Terry ◽  
Vehniah K. Tjong
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Arthroscopic Procedures

Context: The prescription of opioids after elective surgical procedures has been a contributing factor to the current opioid epidemic in North America. Objective: To examine the opioid prescribing practices and rates of opioid consumption among patients undergoing common sports medicine procedures. Data Sources: A systematic review of the electronic databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed was performed from database inception to December 2018. Study Selection: Two investigators independently identified all studies reporting on postoperative opioid prescribing practices and consumption after arthroscopic shoulder, knee, or hip surgery. A total of 119 studies were reviewed, with 8 meeting eligibility criteria. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: The quantity of opioids prescribed and used were converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for standardized reporting. The quality of each eligible study was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Results: A total of 8 studies including 816 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years were eligible for inclusion. A mean of 610, 197, and 613 MMEs were prescribed to patients after arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, respectively. At final follow-up, 31%, 34%, and 64% of the prescribed opioids provided after shoulder, knee, and hip arthroscopy, respectively, still remained. The majority of patients (64%) were unaware of the appropriate disposal methods for surplus medication. Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair had the highest opioid consumption (471 MMEs), with 1 in 4 patients receiving a refill. Conclusion: Opioids are being overprescribed for arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, with more than one-third of prescribed opioids remaining postoperatively. The majority of patients are unaware of the appropriate disposal techniques for surplus opioids. Appropriate risk stratification tools and evidence-based recommendations regarding pain management strategies after arthroscopic procedures are needed to help curb the growing opioid crisis.

scholarly journals Characterizing the Effect of Opioid Tablet Strength on Post-Operative Opioid Consumption Following ACL Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0050
Author(s):  
Ehab Nazzal
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Lower Strength ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Tablet Strength ◽  
Management Protocol

Objectives: Prescription opioid abuse continues to be a national crisis in the United States. Orthopaedic surgeons contribute significantly to this crisis, prescribing nearly a tenth of annual opioid prescriptions. With Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction being a common orthopaedic procedure performed at high volumes, understanding how physician opioid prescribing practices affects patient post-operative opioid utilization is of critical importance to curbing the orthopaedic contribution to the opioid epidemic. We aimed to assess how opioid tablet strength affects post-operative opioid consumption following ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that prescribing a lower strength opioid tablet would not adversely influence post-operative pain or increase opioid consumption Methods: All data was collected prospectively from patients undergoing ACL reconstruction at a single academic ambulatory surgery center.All patients received the same peri-operative pain management protocol, which consisted of an adductor canal block at the time of surgery, Naprosyn 500 mg to be taken as needed, and pre-operative opioid education that outlined safe opioid use practice. Percocet was prescribed at two dosages in a consecutive fashion. Between March 2018 to October 2018, patients received Percocet at a strength of 7.5 mg (7.5 mg Oxycodone/325 Acetaminophen). From November 2018 to May 2019, patients received prescriptions at a dose of 5 mg. At the first post-operative clinic visit, patients completed a survey describing the quantity of opioid tablets consumed, days of postoperative opioid use, and opioid-related adverse effects. In addition, patients used a smart-phone application to assess post-operative pain on a numeric rating scale from post-operative day (POD) 1 to POD 6. Results: 148 patients were prospectively enrolled. 78 (51.3%) received Percocet at a strength of 7.5 mg per tablet and 69 (46.9%)received Percocet at a strength of 5 mg. The median age was 23 years (interquartile range: 18-36) and 49.7% were female. The 7.5 mg cohort took an average of 12.4 tablets (±7.0), while the 5 mg cohort took an average of 8.6 (±7.4) tablets, a 3.7 tablet decrease (p=0.002). Both cohorts consumed opioids for the same amount of post-operative days (5mg cohort: 3.1 days, 7.5mg cohort: 3.5 days; p=0.289). The incidence of opioid related side effect were equivalent between the 5 mg and 7.5 mg cohorts, which included constipation (34.8% and 34.6%, p=0.983), euphoria (5.8% v. 10.3%, p=0.324), nausea/vomiting (13.0% v. 16.7%, p=0.539), fatigue (2.9% v. 6.4%, p0.319), and pruritus (2.9% v. 5.1%, p=0.495). There was no difference in post-operative numeric pain scores in the 5 mg vs. the 7.5 mg cohort (POD 1: 5.7 ±1.9 vs. 5.4 ± 2.0, p=0.633; POD 6: 3.3 ± 2.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.8, p=0.726). Conclusion: Prescribing a lower strength of oxycodone after ACL reconstruction did not increase pain scores or opioid consumption.This suggests that it is possible to achieve similar pain control while lowering the total opioid prescribed. These finding support future research focusing on optimizing pain control at minimal opioid doses.

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