Addressing (over)prescribing of opioids in surgery

Despite numerous efforts to address opioid prescribing, misuse and abuse, the opioid crisis continues to claim around 70,000 American lives per year. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic increases in opioid-related mortality have been reported in at least 35 states.1 Surgery is a potential pathway to persistent opioid use, misuse and abuse of opioids and a higher number of opioids prescribed in the perioperative period is associated with prolonged opioid use which increases one's risk of abuse and overdose.

Source: American Journal of Surgery - July 28, 2020 Category: Surgery Authors: Willemijn L.A. Sch äfer, Jonah J. Stulberg Source Type: research