ERAS patients are prescribed fewer postdischarge opioids

Editor's Note

This study by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, finds that patients participating in an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) program were prescribed significantly fewer opioids at discharge, compared to patients before ERAS was instituted.

A total of 3,983 patients were included (1,929 pre-ERAS and 2,054 post-ERAS).

Matched post-ERAS patients were prescribed fewer opioids (17.4 pills vs 22.0 pills) and lower oral morphine equivalents (129.4 mg vs 167.6 mg) than pre-ERAS patients. Sensitivity analysis in open vs minimally invasive surgery cohorts confirmed the findings.

It was known that ERAS programs decreased inpatient opioid use, but their relationship with postdischarge opioids had remained unclear, the authors say.