Study: Nearly 1 in 3 patients used no opioids after surgery

Editor's Note

Nearly a third of patients used none of the opioids prescribed to them after surgery, finds this study presented by Mayo Clinic researchers April 19 at the American Surgical Association annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

This survey of 1,907 patients who had 25 common surgical procedures at three academic medical centers also found that:

• 92% received an opioid prescription at discharge.
• 63% of the opioids prescribed went unused.
• 90% of patients were satisfied with their pain control.
• 28% said they were prescribed too many opioids, and 8% said they were prescribed too few.
• 8% disposed of their remaining opioids.

Based on this survey, the Mayo Clinic has implemented new opioid prescribing guidelines specific to surgical specialties.