Opioids Prescribed After Low-Risk Surgical Procedures in the United States, 2004-2012

JAMA. 2016 Apr 19;315(15):1654-7. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.0130.

Abstract

Adverse events related to opioid analgesics are common., Although opioids represent a component of pain treatment regimens following low-risk surgery,, few data exist regarding patterns of postoperative opioid prescribing over time. We assessed trends in the amount of hydrocodone/acetaminophen and oxycodone/acetaminophen prescribed, 2 opioids commonly used for postoperative pain management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Arthroscopy / statistics & numerical data
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / surgery
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / statistics & numerical data
  • Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data
  • Hernia, Inguinal / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hydrocodone / therapeutic use*
  • Knee Joint
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxycodone / therapeutic use*
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*
  • Risk
  • Sex Factors
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative*
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Acetaminophen
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone