Reducing opioid prescribing after ambulatory breast reconstruction surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The lack of evidence-based guidelines for postoperative opioid prescriptions following breast reconstruction contributes to a wide variation in prescribing practices and increases potential for misuse and abuse.

Methods

Between August and December 2019, women who underwent outpatient breast reconstruction were surveyed 7-10 days before (n = 97) and after (n = 101) implementing a standardized opioid prescription reduction initiative. We compared postoperative opioid use, pain control, and refills in both groups. Patient reported outcomes were compared using the BREAST-Q physical wellbeing of the chest domain and a novel symptom Recovery Tracker.

Results

Before changes in prescriptions, patients were prescribed a median of 30 pills and consumed three pills (i

SUBMITTER: Fearon NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10841230 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature