Impact of Perioperative Epidural Placement on Postdischarge Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioids play a crucial role in providing analgesia throughout the perioperative period; however, patients may become persistent users of these medications months after surgery. Epidurals have been posited to prevent the development of persistent pain, but there are little data on the effect of epidurals on persistent opioid use.

Methods

This study was conducted using a claims database of a large, nationwide commercial health insurer. Opioid-naive patients who underwent open abdominal surgery from January 2004 to December 2013 were included in the study. Propensity scores for epidural placement were calculated accounting for demographic characteristics, resource utilization, and comorbid conditions (including medical, psychiatric, and pain conditions). Time-to-even

SUBMITTER: Ladha KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4718880 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature