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Semin Plast Surg 2024; 38(01): 061-068
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778043
Review Article

Perioperative Opioid-Related Harms: Opportunities to Minimize Risk

Dominic Alessio-Bilowus
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Alexandra O. Luby
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
3   Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Samantha Cooley
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Sarah Evilsizer
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Elizabeth Seese
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Mark Bicket
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
4   Division of Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Jennifer F. Waljee
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2   Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan
3   Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Abstract

Although substantial attention has been given to opioid prescribing in the United States, opioid-related mortality continues to climb due to the rising incidence and prevalence of opioid use disorder. Perioperative care has an important role in the consideration of opioid prescribing and the care of individuals at risk for poor postoperative pain- and opioid-related outcomes. Opioids are effective for acute pain management and commonly prescribed for postoperative pain. However, failure to align prescribing with patient need can result in overprescribing and exacerbate the flow of unused opioids into communities. Conversely, underprescribing can result in the undertreatment of pain, complicating recovery and impairing well-being after surgery. Optimizing pain management can be particularly challenging for individuals who are previously exposed to opioids or have critical risk factors, including opioid use disorder. In this review, we will explore the role of perioperative care in the broader context of the opioid epidemic in the United States, and provide considerations for a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to perioperative pain management and optimal opioid stewardship.

Keywords

perioperative opioid prescribing - new persistent opioid use - opioid use disorder - care coordination

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Article published online:
18 February 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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