Opioid use following otolaryngology surgical procedures has received increased interest, with many studies recommending shorter-term prescriptions for opioids to avoid dependence on the drugs. In response to a continuing opioid crisis in the United States, the FDA announced on July 23 that it will require that labeling for opioid pain medicine and medicine to treat […]
More Than Half of Prescribed Postoperative Opioids Go Unused
A look at opioid prescription and consumption figures, as well as pain trends, for common otolaryngologic procedures.
Are Opioid Contracts Helpful or Harmful?
Intended to deter opioid abuse, and opioid contract provides information regarding the pros and cons associated with opioid use.
Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty Patients Require Few Opioids for Postsurgical Pain
Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are associated with mostly mild pain, and postoperative opioid requirements are quite low.
Reducing Post-Tonsillectomy Opioids May Be Possible in Children
Reducing opioid prescribing to children after tonsillectomy may be possible without increasing risk of complications, according to a new study.
Factors Associated with Increased Opioid Use in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Concurrent septoplasty and younger age were associated with increased opioid usage, although the majority of FESS patients did not take more than five opioid tablets after surgery.
Pediatric Consent Forms Decrease Overall Opioid Prescriptions
A mandated consent form prior to opioid prescription was associated with decreased overall opioid prescriptions without a resultant increase in postoperative complications in pediatric patients.
Opioid Deaths in Patients with Cancer 10 Times Lower than in General Population
New study explores risks associated with opioid use among patients with cancer.
Geographic Area, Years in Practice, Gender Affect Otolaryngology Opioid Prescribing
Otolaryngologists wrote nearly 1 million days’ worth of opioids to Medicare beneficiaries in 2015.
FDA Warning Slows, but Does Not Stop, Codeine Prescribing in Children after Tonsillectomy
One in 20 children are prescribed codeine after undergoing tonsillectomy despite FDA black box warning regarding safety and efficacy issues associated with prescribing the opioid to children after these surgeries.