Abstract
Background: The opioid epidemic has necessitated increased attention to prescribing practices. This study seeks to prospectively quantify postoperative opioid use after breast operation. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing breast operation at a single institution in 2018 prospectively tracked each dose of medication and completed a survey of perceptions regarding their opioid prescription. Results: Of 100 patients, 88 completed log, survey, or both. The tab quantity required to fulfill the needs of 80% of patients was: Partial mastectomy (PM) 3, PM with sentinel lymph node biopsy 6, PM with bilateral reduction 8, total mastectomy 34, and bilateral mastectomy 47. Of survey respondents, 51.2% felt they had been prescribed too much pain medication. Most (83.0%) had leftover tabs, and 67.9% indicated they kept them in their home. Conclusions: The majority of patients were overprescribed opioids after breast operation. A reduction could be achieved by targeting the needs of 80% of the population.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 8-14 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American journal of surgery |
Volume | 219 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Breast
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Opioid
- Postoperative analgesia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery