Opioid Use Disorders: Perioperative Management of a Special Population

Perioperative Naltrexone Management: A Scoping Review by the Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network

Substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, are a public health concern that affect more than 150 million people globally. The opioid antagonist naltrexone is being increasingly prescribed to treat opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and chronic pain. Perioperative management of patients on naltrexone is inconsistent and remains a controversial topic, with mismanagement posing a significant risk to the long-term health of these patients. This scoping review was conducted to identify human studies in which the perioperative management of naltrexone was described. This review includes a systematic literature search involving Medline, Medline In-Process, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Seventeen articles that describe perioperative naltrexone management strategies were included, including thirteen guidelines, one case report, and three randomized trials. Despite its use in patients with alcohol use disorder and chronic pain, no clinical studies, case reports, or guidelines addressed naltrexone use in these clinical populations. All of the guideline documents recommended the preoperative cessation of naltrexone, irrespective of dose, indication, or route of administration. None of these guideline documents were designed on the basis of a systematic literature search or a Delphi protocol. As described by the primary studies, perioperative pain relief varied depending on naltrexone dose and route of administration, time since last naltrexone administration, and underlying substance use disorder. None of the studies commented on the maintenance of recovery for the patient's substance use disorder in the context of perioperative naltrexone management. The current understanding of the risks and benefits of continuing or stopping naltrexone perioperatively is limited by a lack of high-quality evidence. In patients with risk factors for return to use of opioids or alcohol, the discontinuation of naltrexone should have a strong rationale. Future studies and guidelines should seek to address both acute pain management and maintaining recovery when discussing perioperative naltrexone management strategies.

Variation in Use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Critically Ill Patients Across the United States

OBJECTIVES

To describe practice patterns surrounding the use of medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) in critically ill patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective, multicenter, observational study using the Premier AI Healthcare Database.

SETTING

The study was conducted in U.S. ICUs.

PATIENTS

Adult (≥ 18 yr old) patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) admitted to an ICU between 2016 and 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 108,189 ICU patients (658 hospitals) with a history of OUD, 20,508 patients (19.0%) received MOUD. Of patients receiving MOUD, 13,745 (67.0%) received methadone, 2,950 (14.4%) received buprenorphine, and 4,227 (20.6%) received buprenorphine/naloxone. MOUD use occurred in 37.9% of patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation. The median day of MOUD initiation was hospital day 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3) and the median duration of MOUD use was 4 days (IQR 2-8). MOUD use per hospital was highly variable (median 16.0%; IQR 10-24; range, 0-70.0%); admitting hospital explained 8.9% of variation in MOUD use. A primary admitting diagnosis of unintentional poisoning (aOR 0.41; 95% CI, 0.38-0.45), presence of an additional substance use disorder (aOR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.64-0.68), and factors indicating greater severity of illness were associated with reduced odds of receiving MOUD in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large multicenter, retrospective study, there was large variation in the use of MOUD among ICU patients with a history of OUD. These results inform future studies seeking to optimize the approach to MOUD use during critical illness.

Association of substance-use disorder with outcomes of major elective abdominal operations: A contemporary national analysis

Background

Affecting >20million people in the U.S., including 4 % of all hospitalized patients, substance use disorder (SUD) represents a growing public health crisis. Evaluating a national cohort, we aimed to characterize the association of concurrent SUD with perioperative outcomes and resource utilization following elective abdominal operations.

Methods

All adult hospitalizations entailing elective colectomy, gastrectomy, esophagectomy, hepatectomy, and pancreatectomy were tabulated from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients with concurrent substance use disorder, comprising alcohol, opioid, marijuana, sedative, cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, or other psychoactive/stimulant use, were considered the SUD cohort (others: nSUD). Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate the independent association between SUD and key outcomes.

Results

Of ∼1,088,145 patients, 32,865 (3.0 %) comprised the SUD cohort. On average, SUD patients were younger, more commonly male, of lowest quartile income, and of Black race. SUD patients less frequently underwent colectomy, but more often pancreatectomy, relative to nSUD.Following risk adjustment and with nSUD as reference, SUD demonstrated similar likelihood of in-hospital mortality, but remained associated with increased odds of any perioperative complication (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.17, CI 1.09-1.25). Further, SUD was linked with incremental increases in adjusted length of stay (β + 0.90 days, CI +0.68-1.12) and costs (β + $3630, CI +2650-4610), as well as greater likelihood of non-home discharge (AOR 1.54, CI 1.40-1.70).

Conclusions

Concurrent substance use disorder was associated with increased complications, resource utilization, and non-home discharge following major elective abdominal operations. Novel interventions are warranted to address increased risk among this vulnerable population and address significant disparities in postoperative outcomes.

A Look Forward and a Look Back: The Growing Role of ERAS Protocols in Orthopedic Surgery

The success of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in improving patient outcomes and reducing costs in general surgery are widely recognized. ERAS guidelines have now been developed in orthopedics with the following recommendations. Preoperatively, patients should be medically optimized with a focus on smoking cessation, education, and anxiety reduction. Intraoperatively, using multimodal and regional therapies like neuraxial anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks facilitates same-day discharge. Postoperatively, early nutrition with appropriate thromboprophylaxis and early mobilization are essential. As the evidence of their improvement in patient outcomes and satisfaction continues, these pathways will prove invaluable in optimizing patient care in orthopedics.

A retrospective analysis of perioperative medications for opioid-use disorder and tapering additional postsurgical opioids via a transitional pain service

AIMS

To investigate perioperative opioid requirements in patients on methadone or buprenorphine as medication for opioid-use disorder (MOUD) who attended a transitional pain clinic (Personalized Pain Program, PPP).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed adults on MOUD with surgery and attendance at the Johns Hopkins PPP between 2017 and 2022. Daily non-MOUD opioid use over 6 time-points was evaluated with regression models controlling for days since surgery. The time to complete non-MOUD opioid taper was analysed by accelerated failure time and Kaplan-Meier models.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (28 on methadone, 22 on buprenorphine) were included with a median age of 44.3 years, 54% male, 62% Caucasian and 54% unemployed. MOUD inpatient administration occurred in 92.8% of patients on preoperative methadone but only in 36.3% of patients on preoperative buprenorphine. Non-MOUD opioid use decreased over time postoperatively (β = -0.54, P < .001) with a median decrease of 90 mg morphine equivalents (MME) between the first and last PPP visit, resulting in 46% tapered off by PPP completion. Older age and duration in PPP were associated with lower MME, while mental health conditions, longer hospital stays and higher discharge opioid prescriptions were associated with higher MME. The average time to non-MOUD opioid taper was 1.79× longer in patients on buprenorphine (P = .026), 2.75× in males (P = .023), 4.66× with mental health conditions (P < .001), 2.37× with chronic pain (P = .031) and 3.51× if on preoperative non-MOUD opioids; however, higher initial MOUD level decreased time to taper (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative opioid tapering utilizing a transitional pain service is possible in patients on MOUD.

The Efficacy of Buprenorphine in Preoperative and Postoperative Patients: A Literature Review

Although research suggests that less than half of individuals who have surgical procedures report effective postoperative pain alleviation, the majority of patients endure acute postoperative discomfort. To lessen and manage postoperative pain, a variety of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative treatments and management methods are available. For several years an opioid called buprenorphine has become an effective tool to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) in patients across many different demographics. It has however endured barriers to its usage which can be seen when treating patients with chronic pain or postoperative pain, who also have an OUD. While buprenorphine may be underutilized within the clinical setting, the significantly low rates of chronic abuse when using the drug allow it to be an attractive treatment option for patients. This paper aims to explore a wide range of studies that examine buprenorphine as an analgesic and how it can be used for preoperative pain and postoperative pain. This paper will give an in-depth analysis of buprenorphine and its use in patients with chronic pain as well as OUD. A systematic literature review was performed by identifying studies through the database PubMed. The data from various publications were gathered with preference being given to publications within the last three years. We reviewed studies that examined the pain level of the patients after having buprenorphine. Despite long-available pharmacologic evidence and clinical research, buprenorphine has maintained a mystique as an analgesic. Its usage in the treatment of OUD was further influenced by its well-known safety benefits and relative lack of psychomimetic side effects compared to other opioids. For patients accustomed to long-term, high-dose opioids who may be experiencing hyperalgesia but have not been informed about this phenomenon by their doctors or the potential for buprenorphine to resolve it, buprenorphine's pronounced antihyperalgesic effect is a compelling pharmacologic characteristic that makes it particularly attractive as an option. When used in pre-, peri-, and postoperative circumstances, buprenorphine provides various pain-management benefits and patients can still benefit from effective pain management from mu-opioid agonists while remaining on buprenorphine. Buprenorphine can be continued at a reduced dose as needed to avoid withdrawal symptoms and to improve the analgesic efficiency of mu-opioid agonists used in combination with acute postoperative pain in light of the evidence at hand. Buprenorphine administration needs a patient-centered, multidisciplinary strategy that considers the benefits and drawbacks of the many perioperative therapy options to have the best chance of success.

Post-operative pain control in patients on buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in pain scores and opioid consumption after elective surgery in patients maintained on methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD). Additionally, we investigated the impact of continuing or discontinuing methadone or buprenorphine on post-operative pain outcomes.

DESIGN

A single-center retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care medical center.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 18 years or older with OUD maintained on buprenorphine or methadone who underwent elective surgery between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were identified through electronic medical records, and demographic and clinical data were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was opioid consumption at 24 hours post-operatively, measured in milligram morphine equivalents. The secondary outcome was opioid consumption and pain scores up to 72 hours post-operatively, assessed using a numeric rating scale.

RESULTS

This study included 366 patients (64 percent on buprenorphine and 36 percent on methadone). Opioid utilization significantly increased when buprenorphine was not administered post-operatively. Both groups exhibited comparable total opioid consumption during the post-operative period. In the buprenorphine cohort, pain scores differed significantly based on the receipt of medications for OUD post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinforces existing evidence supporting the continuation of medications for opioid use disorder, specifically buprenorphine and methadone, during the perioperative period. Dissemination of guideline recommendations is essential to ensure optimal post-operative pain management for this patient population.

Frail Patients Undergoing Optimization Before Surgery: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that 10% or more of patients older than 65 years are affected by frailty, a mental and physical state of vulnerability to adverse surgical outcomes. Frailty can be assessed using the Edmonton Frailty Scale: a reliable and convenient multidimensional assessment before surgery. The correlation between frailty score, presurgical optimization, and surgical outcomes was investigated in this preliminary pilot study.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study was performed on patients referred to the surgical optimization clinic and assessed for frailty from September 2020 to May 2023. Patients received presurgical optimization for reasons including diabetes, smoking cessation, prehabilitation and nutrition, and/or cardiopulmonary issues. Outcomes were evaluated whether they proceeded to surgery, were referred to the High-Risk Surgical Committee, surgical case canceled, or not scheduled. For those who proceeded to surgery, infection rates, complications, and 30-day emergency department (ED) and readmission rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 143 unique patients, 138 (men = 61, women = 77) were evaluated for this study. The average Edmonton frailty score for patients who proceeded to surgery was 7.013 (n = 78) vs 9.389 with cancelation and 9.600 for not scheduled or not optimized for surgery. Postoperative infection rates were <3%. However, 30-day ED and readmission rate was 21% (16 of 78).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with lower average Edmonton frailty scores were more likely to proceed to surgery, whereas those with higher average Edmonton frailty scores were more likely to have surgery canceled or delayed. Frail patients cleared for surgery were found to have a high 30-day ED and readmission rate.

Trends, outcomes, and factors associated with in-hospital opioid overdose following major surgery

Background

With the growing opioid epidemic across the US, in-hospital utilization of opioids has garnered increasing attention. Using a national cohort, this study sought to characterize trends, outcomes, and factors associated with in-hospital opioid overdose (OD) following major elective operations.

Methods

We identified all adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations entailing select elective procedures in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients who experienced in-hospital opioid overdose were characterized as OD (others: Non-OD). The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital OD. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were developed to evaluate the association between in-hospital OD and mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and non-home discharge.

Results

Of an estimated 11,096,064 hospitalizations meeting study criteria, 5375 (0.05 %) experienced a perioperative OD. Compared to others, OD were older (66 [57-73] vs 64 [54-72] years, p < 0.001), more commonly female (66.3 vs 56.7 %, p < 0.001), and in the lowest income quartile (26.4 vs 23.2 %, p < 0.001). After adjustment, female sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.68, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 1.47-1.91, p < 0.001), White race (AOR 1.19, CI 1.01-1.42, p = 0.04), and history of substance use disorder (AOR 2.51, CI 1.87-3.37, p < 0.001) were associated with greater likelihood of OD. Finally, OD was associated with increased LOS (β +1.91 days, CI [1.60-2.21], p < 0.001), hospitalization costs (β +$7500, CI [5900-9100], p < 0.001), and greater odds of non-home discharge (AOR 2.00, CI 1.61-2.48, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Perioperative OD remains a rare but costly complication after elective surgery. While pain control remains a priority postoperatively, protocols and recovery pathways must be re-examined to ensure patient safety.

Multimodal Acute Pain Management in the Parturient with Opioid Use Disorder: A Review

The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to an increasing number of pregnant patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) presenting to obstetric units. Caring for this complex patient population requires an interdisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, anesthesiologists, addiction medicine physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers. The management of acute pain in the parturient with OUD can be challenging due to several factors, including respiratory depression, opioid tolerance, and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Patients with a history of OUD can present in one of three categories: 1) those with untreated OUD; 2) those who are currently abstinent from opioids; 3) those being treated with medications to prevent withdrawal. A patient-centered, multimodal approach is essential for optimal peripartum pain relief and prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), previously referred to as medication-assisted therapy (MAT), include opioids like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These are prescribed for pregnant patients with OUD, but appropriate dosing and administration of these medications are critical to avoid withdrawal in the mother. Non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used in a stepwise approach, and regional techniques like neuraxial anesthesia and truncal blocks offer opioid-sparing options. Other medications like ketamine, clonidine, dexmedetomidine, nitrous oxide, and gabapentinoids show promise for pain management but require further research. Overall, a comprehensive pain management strategy is essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus in pregnant patients with OUD.

Medications for opioid use disorder prescribed at hospital discharge associated with decreased opioid agonist dispensing in patients with opioid use disorder requiring critical care: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Buprenorphine is highly effective for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and, in recent years, the rates of patients maintained on buprenorphine requiring critical care have been steadily increasing. Currently, no unified guidance exists for buprenorphine management during critical illness. Likewise, we do not know if patients maintained on buprenorphine for OUD are prescribed medications for OUD (MOUD) following hospital discharge or if buprenorphine management influences mu opioid agonist dispensing.

METHODS

In our cohort of adults over the age of 18 with OUD, receiving buprenorphine formulations in the 3 months preceding their ICU admission, we sought to investigate the relationship between receipt of MOUD and non-MOUD opioid prescribing up to 12 months following hospital discharge. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study approved by the MaineHealth institutional review board. The study analyzed differences in prescription rates between discharge and subsequent time points using chi square or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. We performed analyses using SPSS Statistical Software version 28 (IBM SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY) with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

We identified a statistically significant increase in MOUD prescribing 3 months posthospital discharge in patients who received MOUD at time of discharge (87.9 % vs 40 % p = 0.002.) The study found a significant increase in nonbuprenorphine opioid prescribing in patients who did not receive an MOUD prescription at time of discharge (24.2 % vs 70 % p = 0.007). This trend persisted at the 6-month and 12-month time points; however, it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, the study identified a significant reduction in the incidence of non-MOUD opioid dispensing in patients prescribed MOUD at each time point measured (p = 0.007, p < 0.001. p < 0.001 and p = 0.008 at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support continuing buprenorphine dispensing following hospital discharge.

Reconceptualizing Acute Pain Management in the 21st Century

Acute pain can have many etiologies that include surgical procedures, trauma (motor vehicle accident), musculoskeletal injuries (rib fracture) and, burns among others. Valuable components of a multimodal approach to acute pain management include both opioid and non-opioid medications, procedure specific regional anesthesia techniques (peripheral nerve blocks and neuraxial approaches), and interventional approaches (eg, peripheral nerve stimulation and cryo-neurolysis). Overall, successful acute perioperative pain management requires a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach that involves a coordinated effort between the surgical team, the anesthesia team, nursing, and pharmacy staff using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.

More Than a Perioperative Surgical Home: An Opportunity for Anesthesiologists to Advance Public Health

Public health and the medical specialty of anesthesiology have been closely intertwined throughout history, dating back to the 1800s when Dr. John Snow used contact tracing methods to identify the Broad Street Pump as the source of a cholera outbreak in London. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders in anesthesiology and anesthesia patient safety came forward to develop swift recommendations in the face of rapidly changing evidence to help protect patients and healthcare workers. While these high-profile examples may seem like uncommon events, there are many common modern-day public health issues that regularly intersect with anesthesiology and surgery. These include, but are not limited to, smoking; chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder; and obstructive sleep apnea. As an evolving medical specialty that encompasses pre- and postoperative care and acute and chronic pain management, anesthesiologists are uniquely positioned to improve patient care and outcomes and promote long-lasting behavioral changes to improve overall health. In this article, we make the case for advancing the role of the anesthesiologist beyond the original perioperative surgical home model into promoting public health initiatives within the perioperative period.

Alcohol use disorder in the perioperative period: a summary and recommendations for anesthesiologists and pain physicians

Excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) increase the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Aspiration, malnutrition, coagulopathies, seizures, and hemodynamic alterations are only a few of the major concerns related to acute alcohol intoxication and AUD. There are also numerous physiological effects, changes in medication metabolism and pharmacology, and adverse events related to chronic alcohol consumption. These are all important considerations for the anesthesiologist in the perioperative management of a patient with AUD. Pain perception and thresholds are altered in patients with acute and chronic alcohol use. Medications used to manage AUD symptoms, particularly naltrexone, can have significant perioperative implications. Patients on naltrexone who continue or stop this medication in the perioperative period are at an increased risk for undertreated pain or substance use relapse. This review highlights key considerations for the anesthesiologist and pain physician in the perioperative management of patients with active AUD (or those in recovery). It discusses the effects of acute and chronic alcohol use on pain perception and thresholds, provides guidance on the perioperative management of naltrexone and low-dose naltrexone, and reviews a multimodal approach to pain management.

Acute Pain Management for Patients Maintained on Sublingual Buprenorphine as Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare morphine milligram equivalent (MME) requirements for acute pain management between patients admitted for medical or surgical diagnoses with opioid use disorder (OUD) who receive >12 mg of sublingual buprenorphine daily compared with those who receive ≤12 mg/d.

DESIGN

This study was performed via retrospective chart review.

SETTING

This study evaluated patient encounters between January 2017 and November 2021 from a single-center community teaching hospital in Lancaster, PA.

METHODS

Patients were assessed according to daily dose of buprenorphine received while admitted (>12 mg/d vs ≤12 mg/d); patients who had buprenorphine held were included within the ≤12 mg/d study group. The primary outcome evaluated daily average MME requirements over the entirety of hospital length of stay. Key secondary outcomes were total MME requirements and daily average pain scores.

SUBJECTS

Key inclusion criteria were sublingual buprenorphine therapy for at least 1 month prior to admission, presence of an acute pain diagnosis during hospital stay, and history of OUD.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight (78) patients were included for analysis. Daily average MME requirements were similar between patients who received buprenorphine >12 mg/d and ≤12 mg/d (median, 7.5 vs 10.6; P = 0.350). Total MME and daily average pain scores were similar between study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For OUD patients in need of acute pain management, the continuation of sublingual buprenorphine throughout hospitalization at a daily dose of >12 mg/d compared with ≤12 mg/d did not confer a significant difference in daily average MME requirements.

Effect of oral clonidine on pain reduction in patients with opioid use disorder in the emergency department: A randomized clinical trial

AIMS

Pain can create physical and psychosocial discomfort. Pain management of patients with opioid misuse history can be challenging, in part due to their tolerance to opioids. Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that has been used for the reduction of anxiety and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral clonidine on pain outcomes in patients with a history of opioid use disorder presenting with orthopaedic fractures in the emergency room.

METHODS

In this blinded clinical trial in the emergency department, 70 opioid-dependent patients with orthopaedic fractures were divided into a control group of 35 and an intervention group of 35 subjects. Initially, 0.2 mg of oral clonidine was given to the intervention group and the control group received placebo tablets. Pain levels were recorded based on the Numerical Rating Scale rating before intervention, at 30 min, 1 h after intervention and at disposition from the emergency room (3-6 h after intervention). The total morphine requirement was also recorded.

RESULTS

The pain score of the clonidine group was significantly lower than that of the control group at 1 h and at disposition time. The amount of morphine required was significantly reduced in the clonidine group (P < 0.05). Oral clonidine had no significant effect on pulse rate. Oral clonidine was more effective for pain reduction in lower limb injuries.

CONCLUSION

Oral clonidine significantly reduced pain and the need for morphine in opioid-dependent patients with orthopaedic fractures.

Exploring the postoperative pain experiences of individuals with opioid use disorder and the nurses providing care in the USA: A qualitative descriptive study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The goal of this study is to gain firsthand insights from individuals with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) using medication for OUD on their experiences with postoperative pain care. This study also seeks to describe the experiences of nurses caring for individuals with OUD, and the challenges they may face managing complaints of pain in this population. Research suggests that hospitals can significantly enhance the quality of the care they deliver by investigating an individual's experience in the care setting. These insights will allow for the development of strategies for nurses to deepen their understanding of and, therefore, advocate and improve care for, this vulnerable and often stigmatised population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A qualitative descriptive study will be conducted consisting of a prescreening and demographics questionnaire, and individual semistructured interviews with approximately 10-15 individuals with OUD having recently undergone surgery and 10-15 nurses providing care for this population for a total of 20-30 interviews. This approach involves the collection of separate but complementary data (ie, perceptions of individuals with OUD and nurses) concerning the phenomena of postoperative pain management. Sampling will continue until data saturation is reached. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis will then be used. Reporting will adhere to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Northeastern University. Alongside peer-reviewed journal publications, the findings will be presented at relevant conferences, and a plain language summary will be distributed to the study participants.

Effect of Ketorolac Tromethamine Combined With Remifentanil on Reducing Complications During the General Anesthesia Emergence

PURPOSE

To observe the effect of ketorolac tromethamine combined with remifentanil in sedation and analgesia during general anesthesia emergence and reducing general anesthesia complications.

DESIGN

This is an experimental design.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into three groups with 30 cases in each group. Routine general anesthesia combined with endotracheal intubation was given for general anesthesia, and different treatments were administered when the skin was sutured. Group K: intravenous injection of ketorolac tromethamine 0.9 mg/kg, intravenous injection of normal saline 10 mL/h by micropump until awakening and extubation; R group: intravenous injection of normal saline 2 mL, micropump intravenous injection of remifentanil 0.1 mcg/kg/min until awakening and extubation; KR group: intravenous injection of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5 mg/kg, micropump intravenous injection remifentanil 0.05 mcg/kg/min until awakening and extubation. After the operation, all patients entered the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for recovery, extubation, scoring. The incidence and condition of various complications were counted.

FINDINGS

There was no significant difference in the general information or operation duration of the patients (P > .05). The types of general anesthesia induction drugs in each group were the same, and there was no significant difference in drug measurement (P > .05). The visual analogue scales of KR group were: 2.2 ± 0.6(T0) and 2.4 ± 0.9(T1), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores of the KR groups were: 4.1 ± 0.6(T0), 3.7 ± 0.4(T1). Compared with the KR group, the visual analogue scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores of the K and R groups at T0 and T1 were increased (P < .05); the visual analogue scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores of the K and R groups at T0 and T1 were not significantly different (P > .05); at T2, there was no significant difference in visual analogue scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores among the three groups (P > .05). There was no significant difference in extubation time or PACU transfer time among the three groups (P > .05). The incidence of adverse reactions in KR group were: 3.3% (nausea), 3.3% (vomit), 0 (coughing and drowsiness). Compared with the KR group, the incidence of adverse reactions was higher in the K and R groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac tromethamine combined with remifentanil can effectively relieve pain and sedation during general anesthesia recovery and reduce the incidence of complications related to general anesthesia recovery. At the same time, the application of ketorolac tromethamine can reduce the dosage of remifentanil and inhibit the occurrence of adverse reactions when used alone.

Caring for Our Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in the Perioperative Period: A Guide for the Anesthesiologist

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a rising public health crisis, impacting millions of individuals and families worldwide. Anesthesiologists can play a key role in improving morbidity and mortality around the time of surgery by informing perioperative teams and guiding evidence-based care and access to life-saving treatment for patients with active OUD or in recovery. This article serves as an educational resource for the anesthesiologist caring for patients with OUD and is the second in a series of articles published in Anesthesia & Analgesia on the anesthetic and analgesic management of patients with substance use disorders. The article is divided into 4 sections: (1) background to OUD, treatment principles, and the anesthesiologist; (2) perioperative considerations for patients prescribed medications for OUD (MOUD); (3) perioperative considerations for patients with active, untreated OUD; and (4) nonopioid and nonpharmacologic principles of multimodal perioperative pain management for patients with untreated, active OUD, or in recovery. The article concludes with a stepwise approach for the anesthesiologist to support OUD treatment and recovery. The anesthesiologist is an important leader of the perioperative team to promote these suggested best practices and help save lives.

A comparison of postpartum opioid consumption and opioid discharge prescriptions among opioid-naïve patients and those with opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Management of patients with opioid use disorder during the acute postpartum period remains clinically challenging as obstetricians aim to mitigate postdelivery pain while optimizing recovery support.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate postpartum opioid consumption and opioids prescribed at discharge among patients with opioid use disorder treated with methadone, buprenorphine, and no medication for opioid use disorder, as compared with opioid-naïve counterparts.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients who underwent delivery at >20 weeks' gestation at a tertiary academic hospital between May 2014 and April 2020. The primary outcome of this analysis was the mean daily quantity of oral opioids consumed after delivery while inpatient, in milligrams of morphine equivalents. Secondary outcomes included the following: (1) quantity of oral opioids prescribed at discharge, and (2) prescription for oral opioids in the 6 weeks after hospital discharge. Multiple linear regression was used to compare differences in the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 16,140 pregnancies were included. Patients with opioid use disorder (n=553) consumed 14 milligrams of morphine equivalents per day greater quantities of opioids postpartum than opioid-naïve women (n=15,587), (95% confidence interval, 11-17). Patients with opioid use disorder undergoing cesarean delivery consumed 30 milligrams of morphine equivalents per day greater quantities of opioids than opioid-naïve counterparts (95% confidence interval, 26-35). Among patients who underwent vaginal delivery, there was no difference in opioid consumption among patients with and without opioid use disorder. Compared with patients prescribed methadone, patients prescribed buprenorphine, and those prescribed no medication for opioid use disorder consumed similar opioid quantities postpartum following both vaginal and cesarean delivery. Among patients undergoing cesarean delivery, opioid-naïve patients were more likely to receive a discharge prescription for opioids than patients with opioid use disorder (77% vs 68%; P=.002), despite lower pain scores and less inhospital opioid consumption.

CONCLUSION

Patients with opioid use disorder, regardless of treatment with methadone, buprenorphine, or no medication for opioid use disorder consumed significantly greater quantities of opioids after cesarean delivery but received fewer opioid prescriptions at discharge.

Patients' experiences with continuation or discontinuation of buprenorphine before painful procedures: A brief report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with opioid use disorder may be asked by their clinicians to discontinue maintenance buprenorphine treatment before surgical operations due to concerns that buprenorphine will interfere with acute pain management. However, discontinuation of buprenorphine may not be well tolerated or safe for all patients. We, therefore, administered a survey to better understand the experiences of patients on buprenorphine treatment who had previously undergone painful procedures and had their buprenorphine maintenance treatment either continued or discontinued before the procedure.

METHODS

After this study received institutional review board approval, patients were invited to participate if they were being prescribed sublingual buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder and had also previously undergone a painful procedure requiring treatment with full agonist opioids. Patients who were eligible and agreed to participate (n = 32) then completed a survey of basic demographics; medical, psychiatric, and substance use histories; and their experience and satisfaction with the treatment of pain and substance use in the perioperative period, including whether buprenorphine was continued or discontinued before their procedure.

RESULTS

Compared with patients whose home dose of buprenorphine was continued (n = 15), patients whose buprenorphine was discontinued preoperatively (n = 17) reported less satisfaction with pain management and were more likely to be prescribed full agonist opioids upon discharge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with prior studies, these survey findings suggest that discontinuation of buprenorphine before painful surgeries may be associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

This survey study adds patients' perspective to a growing body of scientific literature suggesting that discontinuation of maintenance buprenorphine treatment before painful procedures may decrease patient satisfaction and increase clinical risk.

Identifying risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain and preventive measures: a comprehensive update

INTRODUCTION

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a prevalent condition that can diminish health-related quality of life, cause functional deficits, and lead to patient distress. Rates of CPSP are higher for certain types of surgeries than others (thoracic, breast, or lower extremity amputations) but can occur after even uncomplicated minimally invasive procedures. CPSP has multiple mechanisms, but always starts as acute postsurgical pain, which involves inflammatory processes and may encompass direct or indirect neural injury. Risk factors for CPSP are largely known but many, such as female sex, younger age, or type of surgery, are not modifiable. The best strategy against CPSP is to quickly and effectively treat acute postoperative pain using a multimodal analgesic regimen that is safe, effective, and spares opioids.

AREAS COVERED

This is a narrative review of the literature.

EXPERT OPINION

Every surgical patient is at some risk for CPSP. Control of acute postoperative pain appears to be the most effective approach, but principles of good opioid stewardship should apply. The role of regional anesthetics as analgesics is gaining interest and may be appropriate for certain patients. Finally, patients should be better informed about their relative risk for CPSP.

Rescue Analgesia for Opioid-Dependent Individuals on Opioid Agonist Treatment during Hospitalization: Adherence to Guideline Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Simultaneously, opioids are essential medicines in acute pain management. The literature is scarce on acute pain management in individuals with OUD, and guidelines are controversial for patients on OAT. We aimed at analyzing rescue analgesia in opioid-dependent individuals on OAT during hospitalization in the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

METHODS

Patient hospital records were extracted from the database over 6 months (Jan-Jun) in 2015 and 2018. Of the 3,216 extracted patient records, we identified 255 cases on OAT with full datasets. Rescue analgesia was defined according to established principles of acute pain management, e.g., i) the analgesic agent is identical to the OAT medication, and ii) the opioid agent is dosed above 1/6th morphine equivalent dose of the OAT medication.

RESULTS

The patients were on average 51.3 ± 10.5 years old (range: 22-79 years), of which 64% were men. The most frequent OAT agents were methadone and morphine (34.9% and 34.5%). Rescue analgesia was not documented in 14 cases. Guideline-concordant rescue analgesia was observed in 186 cases (72.9%) and consisted mostly of NSAIDs, including paracetamol (80 cases), and identical agents such as the OAT opioid (70 cases). Guideline-divergent rescue analgesia was observed in 69 (27.1%) cases, predominantly due to an underdosed opioid agent (32 cases), another agent other than the OAT (18 cases), or contraindicated agents (10 cases).

DISCUSSION

Our analysis suggests that rescue analgesia in hospitalized OAT patients was predominantly concordant with guidelines, while divergent prescriptions seemed to follow common principles of pain medicine. Clear guidelines are needed to appropriately treat acute pain in hospitalized OAT patients.

Multiorganizational consensus to define guiding principles for perioperative pain management in patients with chronic pain, preoperative opioid tolerance, or substance use disorder

Significant knowledge gaps exist in the perioperative pain management of patients with a history of chronic pain, substance use disorder, and/or opioid tolerance as highlighted in the US Health and Human Services Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force 2019 report. The report emphasized the challenges of caring for these populations and the need for multidisciplinary care and a comprehensive approach. Such care requires stakeholder alignment across multiple specialties and care settings. With the intention of codifying this alignment into a reliable and efficient processes, a consortium of 15 professional healthcare societies was convened in a year-long modified Delphi consensus process and summit. This process produced seven guiding principles for the perioperative care of patients with chronic pain, substance use disorder, and/or preoperative opioid tolerance. These principles provide a framework and direction for future improvement in the optimization and care of 'complex' patients as they undergo surgical procedures.

Substance abuse screening prior to bariatric surgery: an MBSAQIP cohort study evaluating frequency and factors associated with screening

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery experience substantial risk of pre- and postoperative substance use. Identifying patients at risk for substance use using validated screening tools remains crucial to risk mitigation and operative planning. We aimed to evaluate proportion of bariatric surgery patients undergoing specific substance abuse screening, factors associated with screening and the relationship between screening and postoperative complications.

METHODS

The 2021 MBSAQIP database was analyzed. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare factors between groups who were screened for substance abuse versus non-screened, and to compare frequency of outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effect of substance screening on serious complications and mortality, and to assess factors associated with substance abuse screening.

RESULTS

A total of 210, 804 patients were included, with 133,313 (63.2%) undergoing screening and 77,491 (36.8%) who did not. Those who underwent screening were more likely to be white, non-smoker, and have more comorbidities. The frequency of complications was not significant (e.g., reintervention, reoperation, leak) or similar (readmission rates 3.3% vs. 3.5%) between screened and not screened groups. On multivariate analysis, lower substance abuse screening was not associated with 30-day death or 30-day serious complication. Factors that significantly affected likelihood of being screened for substance abuse included being black (aOR 0.87, p < 0.001) or other race (aOR 0.82, p < 0.001) compared to white, being a smoker (aOR 0.93, p < 0.001), having a conversion or revision procedure (aOR 0.78, p < 0.001; aOR 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively), having more comorbidities and undergoing Roux-en-y gastric bypass (aOR 1.13, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There remains significant inequities in substance abuse screening in bariatric surgery patients regarding demographic, clinical, and operative factors. These factors include race, smoking status, presence of preoperative comorbidities, and procedure type. Further awareness and initiatives highlighting the importance of identifying at risk patients is critical for ongoing outcome improvement.

Pain Management After Cesarean Delivery Among Women with Opioid Use Disorder: Results from a Retrospective Pregnancy Cohort in a Rural Region of the Midwest

Background

Increasing numbers of pregnant women are being treated with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD), which can interfere with effectiveness of other opioids used for pain relief, making perioperative guidance for patients requiring cesarean delivery unclear.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort design, we abstracted 8 years of medical records (2013-2020) from a hospital in rural Michigan. We compared analgesic use (as a proxy for pain) and hospital length of stay (LOS) between groups of women with OUD whose buprenorphine treatment was (1) discontinued before cesarean delivery (discontinuation) versus (2) continued throughout the perioperative period (maintenance). We used t-tests and Fisher's Exact tests for comparison of continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

Maternal characteristics reflected the local population (87% non-Hispanic White; 9% American Indian). Of 12,179 mothers giving birth during the study timeframe, 87 met all inclusion criteria (2.4% with diagnosed OUD; 38% of those delivered by cesarean; 76% of those received prenatal buprenorphine treatment). Using the first 2 days of the hospital stay as the standard time window for comparison, there were no differences in perioperative opioid analgesic use (mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 141.6 ± 205.4 vs. 134.0 ± 136.3 morphine milligram equivalents, p = 0.89) or LOS (mean ± SD = 2.9 ± 0.9 vs. 3.3 ± 1.0 days, p = 0.14) between discontinuation (n = 17) versus maintenance (n = 70). There was a lower use of acetaminophen in the discontinuation group (mean ± SD = 3,842.6 ± 2,108.1 vs. 4,938.2 ± 2,008.4 mg, p = 0.0489).

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence supporting continued buprenorphine treatment for women with OUD throughout the perioperative period of a cesarean delivery in a rural setting, although replication with larger sample sizes would provide more confidence in the results.

Acute Pain Management Pearls: A Focused Review for the Hospital Clinician

Acute pain management is a challenging area encountered by inpatient clinicians every day. While patient care is increasingly complex and costly in this realm, the availability of applicable specialists is waning. This narrative review seeks to support diverse hospital-based healthcare providers in refining and updating their acute pain management knowledge base through clinical pearls and point-of-care resources. Practical guidance is provided for the design and adjustment of inpatient multimodal analgesic regimens, including conventional and burgeoning non-opioid and opioid therapies. The importance of customized care plans for patients with preexisting opioid tolerance, chronic pain, or opioid use disorder is emphasized, and current recommendations for inpatient management of associated chronic therapies are discussed. References to best available guidelines and literature are offered for further exploration. Improved clinician attention and more developed skill sets related to acute pain management could significantly benefit hospitalized patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.

Prescription Opioid Misuse in Older Adult Surgical Patients: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT

The United States and many other developed nations are in the midst of an opioid crisis, with consequent pressure on prescribers to limit opioid prescribing and reduce prescription opioid misuse. This review addresses prescription opioid misuse for older adult surgical populations. We outline the epidemiology and risk factors for persistent opioid use and misuse in older adults undergoing surgery. We also address screening tools and prescription opioid misuse prevention among vulnerable older adult surgical patients (e.g., older adults with a history of an opioid use disorder), followed by clinical management and patient education recommendations. A significant plurality of older adults engaged in prescription opioid misuse obtain opioid medication for misuse from health providers. Thus, nurses can play a critical role in identifying those older adults at a higher risk for misuse and deliver quality care while balancing the need for adequate pain management against the risk for prescription opioid misuse.

Opioid abuse and perioperative care: a new medical disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review article aims to describe the perioperative clinical implications of opioid use or opioid use disorder (OUD) and to provide recommendations related to analgesia, anesthesia, and postoperative care for patients with this 'new medical disease'.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence suggest that 1 in 4 surgical patients will be using opioids preoperatively. Management of these patients, or those with OUD, can be challenging given their opioid tolerance, hyperalgesia, decreased pain tolerance, and increased pain sensitivity. Therefore, an individualized plan that considers how to manage OUD treatment medications, the risk of relapse, multimodal analgesia, and postoperative monitoring requirements is highly important. Fortunately, recent publications provide both insight and guidance on these topics. Postoperatively, persistent opioid utilization appears higher in patients currently using opioids and even for those with a prior history. Although numerous other adverse outcomes are also associated with opioid use or abuse, some may be modifiable with cessation.

SUMMARY

A coordinated, evidence-based, multidisciplinary team approach is critical when caring for patients with OUD to ensure safety, provide adequate analgesia, and reduce the risk of relapse. Enhanced postoperative monitoring, multimodal analgesia, and a plan for preoperative opioid management may help to modify the risks of adverse postoperative outcomes.

Persistent opioid use in cataract surgery pain management and the role of nonopioid alternatives

Cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Although care varies between developing and industrialized countries, surgery is the single effective approach to treating cataracts. From the earliest documented primitive cataract removals to today's advanced techniques, cataract surgery has evolved dramatically. As surgical techniques have developed, so have approaches to surgical pain management. With current cataract surgical procedures and advanced technology, anesthesia and intraoperative pain management have shifted to topical/intracameral anesthetics, with or without low-dose systemic analgesia and anxiolysis. Despite this, pain and discomfort persist in some patients and are underappreciated in modern cataract surgery. Although pain management has progressed, opioids remain a mainstay intraoperatively and, to a lesser extent, postoperatively. This article discusses the evolution of pain management in cataract surgery, particularly the use of opioids and the associated risks as well as how ophthalmology can have a positive impact on the opioid crisis.

Patients on Buprenorphine Formulations Undergoing Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the pharmacology of buprenorphine, the evolution of buprenorphine dosing recommendations, and the current literature regarding its recommendations for the perioperative period.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a consensus that for all surgeries, buprenorphine should be continued throughout the perioperative period. If the surgery is a minimal to mild pain surgery, no dose adjustment is needed. There is no clear consensus regarding moderate to severe pain. With all surgeries, multimodal analgesia should be utilized, with regional anesthesia when possible. Patients taking buprenorphine should continue their buprenorphine perioperatively; whether to decrease or maintain dosing is up for debate. Multimodal analgesia should also be used throughout the perioperative period, and communication between the patient and all provider teams is of the utmost importance to provide adequate analgesia during the perioperative period, as well as to arrange safe analgesia upon discharge.

A Look Forward and a Look Back: The Growing Role of ERAS Protocols in Orthopedic Surgery

The success of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in improving patient outcomes and reducing costs in general surgery are widely recognized. ERAS guidelines have now been developed in orthopedics with the following recommendations. Preoperatively, patients should be medically optimized with a focus on smoking cessation, education, and anxiety reduction. Intraoperatively, using multimodal and regional therapies like neuraxial anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks facilitates same-day discharge. Postoperatively, early nutrition with appropriate thromboprophylaxis and early mobilization are essential. As the evidence of their improvement in patient outcomes and satisfaction continues, these pathways will prove invaluable in optimizing patient care in orthopedics.

Opioid use disorder in anaesthesia and intensive care: Prevention, diagnosis and management

Opioid misuse is common, as is opioid agonist treatment of opioid dependence. Almost 3% of Australians and over 3.5% of those living in New Zealand report misuse of analgesics. Over 50,000 Australians receive opioid agonist treatment with methadone or buprenorphine for management of severe opioid use disorder.The perioperative period is an opportunity to identify pre-existing opioid misuse, and to introduce interventions to reduce the risk of development of opioid use disorder. Challenges of acute perioperative pain management or intensive care management of patients receiving opioid agonist treatment include opioid tolerance and ongoing prescribing of methadone or buprenorphine. There has been some ambiguity about the optimal perioperative management of buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the mu receptor.In this article, a framework to identify emerging opioid misuse problems, identify risk of overdose and to manage the opioid-dependent patient on opioid agonist treatment perioperatively or in the intensive care unit is provided. Diagnostic criteria and risk stratification criteria are presented. Management strategies include trauma-informed care, care planning and care coordination with community practitioners and opioid agonist treatment providers. Continuing methadone or buprenorphine perioperatively with additional opioid and non-opioid analgesia is generally recommended. Increased opioid agonist treatment doses may be required on discharge. An algorithm for decisions about opioid agonist treatment management in the intensive care unit based on the risks of opioid withdrawal and toxicity is considered. Strategies for managing the opioid-dependent patient who is not in treatment are also discussed.

Black clients in expansion states who used opioids were more likely to access medication for opioid use disorder after ACA implementation

INTRODUCTION

Black people in the United States who use opioids receive less treatment and die from overdoses at higher rates than White people. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) decreases overdose risk. Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States was associated with an increase in MOUD. To what extent racial disparity exists in MOUD following ACA implementation remains unclear. Using a national sample of people seeking treatment for opioids (clients), we compared changes in MOUD after the ACA to determine whether implementation was associated with increased MOUD for Black clients relative to White clients.

METHODS

We identified 878,110 first episodes for clients with opioids as primary concern from SAMHDA's Treatment Episodes Dataset-Admissions (TEDS-A; 2007-2018). We performed descriptive and logistic regression analyses to estimate odds of MOUD for Black and White clients by Medicaid expansion status. We interacted ACA implementation with racial group and performed subpopulation analyses for Medicaid enrollees and criminal justice-referred clients.

RESULTS

In expansion states post-ACA, MOUD increased from 33.6% to 51.3% for White clients and from 36.2% to 61.7% for Black clients. Pre-ACA, Black clients were less likely than White clients to use MOUD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.88, 99th Confidence Interval (CI) = [0.85, 0.91]), and post-ACA, the change in odds of MOUD did not differ. Criminal justice-referred clients experienced less of a change in odds of MOUD among Black clients than among White clients (aOR = 0.74, CI = [0.62, 0.89]). Among Medicaid-insured clients, the change in odds of MOUD among Black clients was larger (aOR = 1.16, CI = [1.03, 1.30]). In the non-expansion states before 2014, Black clients were less likely to receive MOUD (aOR = 0.86, CI = [0.77, 0.95]) than White clients. After 2014, the change in odds of MOUD increased more for Black clients relative to White clients (aOR = 1.24, CI = [1.07, 1.44]). We did not find significant changes in MOUD for clients referred through the criminal justice system or with Medicaid.

CONCLUSION

The ACA was associated with increased use of MOUD among Black clients and reduction in treatment disparity between Black and White clients. For criminal justice-referred Black clients, disparities in MOUD persist. Black clients with Medicaid in expansion states had the greatest reduction in disparities.

Illicit Drug Use and Endoscopy: When Do We Say No?

BACKGROUND

Illicit drug use (IDU) is often encountered in patients undergoing elective ambulatory surgical procedures such as endoscopy. Given the variety of systemic effects of these drugs, sedation and anesthetics are believed to increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications during procedures. Procedural cancelations are common, regardless of the drug type, recency of use, and total dosage consumed. There is a lack of institutional and society recommendations regarding the optimal approach to performing outpatient endoscopy on patients with IDU.

AIM

To review the literature for current recommendations regarding the optimal management of outpatient elective endoscopic procedures in patients with IDU. Secondary aim is to provide guidance for clinicians who encounter IDU in endoscopic practice.

METHODS

Systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Google Scholar for articles presenting data on outcomes of elective procedures in patients using illicit drugs.

RESULTS

There are no clinically relevant differences in periprocedural complications or mortality in cannabis users compared to non-users. Endoscopy in patients with remote cocaine use was also found to have similar outcomes to recent use.

CONCLUSIONS

Canceling endoscopic procedures in patients with recent IDU without consideration of the type of drug, dosage, and chronicity may lead to unnecessary delays in care and increased patient morbidity. Healthcare systems would benefit from additional guidelines for evaluating the patient with recent illicit drug use for acute intoxication and consider proceeding with procedures in the non-toxic population.

Preoperative Opioid Use and Readmissions Following Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between preoperative opioid exposure and readmissions following common surgery.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Preoperative opioid use is common, but its effect on opioid-related, pain-related, respiratory-related, and all-cause readmissions following surgery is unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed claims data from a 20% national Medicare sample of patients ages ≥ 65 with Medicare Part D claims undergoing surgery between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2016. We grouped patients by the dose, duration, recency, and continuity of preoperative opioid prescription fills. We used logistic regression to examine the association between prior opioid exposure and 30-day readmissions, adjusted for patient risk factors and procedure type.

RESULTS

Of 373,991 patients, 168,579 (45%) filled a preoperative opioid prescription within 12 months of surgery, ranging from minimal to chronic high use. Preoperative opioid exposure was associated with higher rate of opioid-related readmissions, compared with naive patients [low: aOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.26-2.12; high: aOR=3.70, 95% CI=2.71-5.04]. Preoperative opioid exposure was also associated with higher risk of pain-related readmissions [low: aOR=1.27, 95% CI=1.23-1.32; high: aOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.53-1.71] and respiratory-related readmissions [low: aOR=1.10, 95% CI=1.05-1.16; high: aOR=1.44, 95% CI=1.34-1.55]. Low, moderate, and high chronic preoperative opioid exposures were predictive of all-cause readmissions (low: OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12); high: OR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.18-1.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of preoperative opioid exposure are associated with increased risk of readmissions after surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of screening patients for preoperative opioid exposure and creating risk mitigation strategies for patients.

Management of surgical patients on opioid replacement therapy: An audit of current practice

Patients on opioid replacement therapy hospitalised with acute pain represent a clinical challenge and have poorer perioperative outcomes. There is limited evidence relating to acute pain management of this complex cohort. The primary objectives of this retrospective audit was to establish the number of patients who are admitted on opioid replacement therapy with an acute pain condition under surgical services and evaluate the management of these patients to determine consistency of pain management practices. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the documentation of opioid replacement therapy in clinical notes to determine adherence to operational protocols and record clinically relevant outcomes including infection or postoperative complication rates. Forty-four episodes of care for buprenorphine patients and 19 episodes of care for methadone patients were included. There was significant variability in inpatient opioid prescribing, including practice of dose modification, and there was high utilisation of additional opioids, although agent choice varied. Multimodal analgesia was utilised, especially following acute pain service review. There was an 11% readmission rate for complications of the initial presentation. Documentation at transitions of care was poor. There is a need for further clinical studies into specific acute pain management strategies, and their effect on clinically relevant outcomes, to guide consistent management practices.

Perioperative Pain Management for Surgical Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Program Development Initiative

PURPOSE

Over the last decade an increased number of individuals have been diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and state-level regulatory pressure has mounted to develop the capability to provide opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on clinical indication or at patient request.

DESIGN

A program initiative for OUD patients who require OFA was developed and implemented in two phases.

METHOD

Phase I assessed the needs and knowledge of licensed nurse anesthetists in the state of Florida. Phase II recruited volunteers for a day-long event which involved both didactic and simulation training. Data collection for phase II included: demographics, knowledge, evidence-based practice belief scale (EBPBS), and evidence-based practice implementation scale (EBPIS) which measures the perceived ability to implement those beliefs. Phase II training was divided into three domains: Preoperative, Intraoperative and Postoperative with didactic and simulation experiences for each domain.

FINDINGS

The phase II participants pre-simulation median total knowledge assessment score was 9 with median scores of 5 for questions 1 to 6 and 4 for questions 7 to 12. After participating in simulation, median knowledge assessment scores increased to 11, with median scores of 6 for questions 1 to 6 and 5 for questions 7 to 12. Before simulation training, median scores for the EBPBS and EBPIS were 66 (IQR 8) and 22 (IQR 24) respectively. After simulation, the median EBPBS score increased to 76 (IQR 7.5), a significant improvement from pre-simulation (P = .002).

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of knowledge and training of anesthesia providers on how to manage the growing population of patients with OUD. This program initiative increased perceived ability to provide OFA care to patients with OUD presenting for surgery.

Predictors of Prolonged Opioid Use After Lumbar Fusion and the Effects of Opioid Use on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors associated with prolonged opioid use after lumbar fusion and to elucidate the effect of opioid use on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 1-3 level lumbar decompression and fusion with at least one-year follow-up were identified. Opioid data were collected through the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Preoperative "chronic use" was defined as consumption of >90 days in the one-year before surgery. Postoperative "prolonged use" was defined as a filled prescription 90-days after surgery. PROMs included the following: Short Form-12 Health Survey PCS-12 and MCS-12, ODI, and VAS-Back and Leg scores. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors for prolonged opioid use.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 260 patients. BMI >35 (OR: .44 [.20, .90], P = .03) and current smoking status (OR: 2.73 [1.14, 6.96], P = .03) significantly predicted postoperative opioid usage. Chronic opioid use before surgery was associated with greater improvements in MCS-12 (β= 5.26 [1.01, 9.56], P = .02). Patients with prolonged opioid use self-reported worse VAS-Back (3.4 vs 2.1, P = .003) and VAS-Leg (2.6 vs 1.2, P = .03) scores after surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with decreased improvement in VAS-Leg over time (β = .14 [.15, 1.85], P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Current smoking status and lower BMI were significantly predictive of prolonged opioid use. Excess opioid use before and after surgery significantly affected PROMs after lumbar fusion.

Methadone maintenance patients lack analgesic response to a cumulative intravenous dose of 32 mg of hydromorphone

OBJECTIVES

Acute pain management in patients with opioid use disorder who are maintained on methadone presents unique challenges due to high levels of opioid tolerance in this population. This randomized controlled study assessed the analgesic and abuse liability effects of escalating doses of acute intravenous (IV) hydromorphone versus placebo utilizing a validated experimental pain paradigm, quantitative sensory testing (QST).

METHODS

Individuals (N = 8) without chronic pain were maintained on 80-100 mg/day of oral methadone. Participants received four IV, escalating/incremental doses of hydromorphone over 270 min (32 mg total) or four placebo doses within a session test day. Test sessions were scheduled at least one week apart. QST and abuse liability measures were administered at baseline and after each injection.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the hydromorphone and placebo control conditions on analgesic indices for any QST outcomes were detected. Similarly, no differences on safety or abuse liability indices were detected despite the high doses of hydromorphone utilized. Few adverse events were detected, and those reported were mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate that methadone-maintained individuals are highly insensitive to the analgesic effects of high-dose IV hydromorphone and may require very high doses of opioids, more efficacious opioids, or combined non-opioid analgesic strategies to achieve adequate analgesia.

Management of Sedation and Analgesia in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Long-Acting Naltrexone Therapy for Opioid Use Disorder

The explosion of the opioid epidemic in the United States and across the world has been met with advances in pharmacologic therapy for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Long-acting naltrexone is a promising strategy, but its use has important implications for critical care, as it may interfere with or complicate sedation and analgesia. Currently, there are two available formulations of long-acting naltrexone, which are distinguished by different administration routes and distinct pharmacokinetics. The use of long-acting naltrexone may be identified through a variety of strategies (such as physical examination, laboratory testing, and medical record review), and is key to the safe provision of sedation and analgesia during critical illness. Perioperative experience caring for patients receiving long-acting naltrexone informs management in the intensive care unit. Important lessons include the use of multimodal analgesia strategies and anticipating patients' demonstrating variable sensitivity to opioids. For the critically ill patient, however, there are important distinctions to emphasize, including changes in drug metabolism and medication interactions. By compiling and incorporating the currently available literature, we provide critical care physicians with recommendations for the sedation and analgesia for critically ill patients receiving long-acting naltrexone therapy.

Buprenorphine management in the perioperative period: educational review and recommendations from a multisociety expert panel

BACKGROUND

The past two decades have witnessed an epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the USA, resulting in catastrophic loss of life secondary to opioid overdoses. Medication treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD) is effective, yet barriers to care continue to result in a large proportion of untreated individuals. Optimal analgesia can be obtained in patients with MOUD within the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists and pain physicians can recommend and consider initiating MOUD in patients with suspected OUD at the point of care; this can serve as a bridge to comprehensive treatment and ultimately save lives.

METHODS

The Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Society of Addiction Medicine and American Society of Health System Pharmacists approved the creation of a Multisociety Working Group on Opioid Use Disorder, representing the fields of pain medicine, addiction, and pharmacy health sciences. An extensive literature search was performed by members of the working group. Multiple study types were included and reviewed for quality. A modified Delphi process was used to assess the literature and expert opinion for each topic, with 100% consensus being achieved on the statements and each recommendation. The consensus statements were then graded by the committee members using the United States Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence guidelines. In addition to the consensus recommendations, a narrative overview of buprenorphine, including pharmacology and legal statutes, was performed.

RESULTS

Two core topics were identified for the development of recommendations with >75% consensus as the goal for consensus; however, the working group achieved 100% consensus on both topics. Specific topics included (1) providing recommendations to aid physicians in the management of patients receiving buprenorphine for MOUD in the perioperative setting and (2) providing recommendations to aid physicians in the initiation of buprenorphine in patients with suspected OUD in the perioperative setting.

CONCLUSIONS

To decrease the risk of OUD recurrence, buprenorphine should not be routinely discontinued in the perioperative setting. Buprenorphine can be initiated in untreated patients with OUD and acute pain in the perioperative setting to decrease the risk of opioid recurrence and death from overdose.

Advanced Inpatient Management of Opioid Use Disorder in a Patient Requiring Serial Surgeries

Opioid use disorder has affected many lives across the US. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine, have been shown to decrease mortality in this patient population. Here we present a case of a 32-year-old woman on buprenorphine/naloxone undergoing multiple surgical operations, whose course included buprenorphine discontinuation, methadone initiation, and buprenorphine re-induction using a novel "microdosing" approach. This report includes a presentation of the case and a discussion of the clinical decision making and relevant literature to give hospitalbased providers a perspective on management of peri-operative patients on MOUD.

Impact of Substance Use and Abuse on Opioid Demand in Lower Extremity Fracture Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To describe the perioperative opioid demand in a large population of patients undergoing lower extremity fracture fixation and to evaluate mental disorders such as substance abuse as risk factors for increased use.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational.

SETTING

National insurance claims database.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-three four hundred forty-one patients grouped by mental disorders such as depression, psychoses, alcohol abuse, tobacco abuse, drug abuse, and preoperative opioid filling undergoing operative treatment of lower extremity fractures (femoral shaft through ankle) between 2007 and 2017.

INTERVENTION

Operative treatment of lower extremity fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was filled opioid prescription volume converted to oxycodone 5-mg pill equivalents. Secondary outcomes included the number of filled prescriptions and the risk of obtaining 2 or more opioid prescriptions.

RESULTS

Of 23,441 patients, 16,618 (70.9%), 8862 (37.8%), and 18,084 (77.1%) filled opioid prescriptions within 1-month preop to 90-day postop, 3-month postop to 1-year postop, and 1-month preop to 1-year postop, respectively. On average, patients filled 104, 69, and 173 oxycodone 5-mg pills at those time intervals. Alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and preoperative opioid filling were associated with increased perioperative opioid demand. Psychoses had a small effect on opioid demand, and depression had no significant impact.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the rate and volume of opioid prescription filling in patients undergoing lower extremity fracture surgery. Substance use and abuse were the main risk factors for increased perioperative opioid prescription filling. Providers should recognize these risk factors for increased use and be judicious when prescribing opioids. Enhanced patient education, increased nonopioid pain management strategies, and referral for substance use and abuse treatment may be helpful for these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Impact of Mental Health and Substance Use on Opioid Demand After Hip Fracture Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Mental health and substance use and abuse disorders have been associated with poor patient-reported outcomes. Despite the prevalence of hip fractures in the United States, the relationship between opioid demand and these factors in hip fracture surgery is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe opioid filling volume and rates after hip fracture surgery and to identify mental health risk factors for increased demand. The study hypothesis is that psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and psychoses as well as substance use and abuse indicators such as pre-op opioid dependence, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse would be associated with increased perioperative opioid demand.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of 40,514 patients undergoing surgical fixation of hip fractures using a commercially available insurance database. The primary patient-level outcome was filled opioid prescription volume in oral morphine milliequivalents converted to oxycodone 5-mg equivalents up to 1-year post-op. Adjusted measures of overall quantities filled and refill rates were assessed with multivariable main effects linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Twenty four thousand four hundred forty-one of 40,514 patients (60.3%) filled opioid prescriptions within 7 days pre-op to 1-year post-op. Patients filling prescriptions filled a mean of 187.7 oxycodone 5-mg equivalents. Sixteen thousand five hundred seventy-seven patients (41.1%) filled two or more opioid prescriptions within 7 days pre-op to 1-year post-op. Fifteen thousand two hundred seventy-nine patients (37.7%) filled an opioid prescription between 3 months post-op and 1-year post-op, and 8,502 patients (21%) filled an opioid prescription between 9 months post-op and 1-year post-op. In multivariable models, age, pre-op opioid filling, depression, tobacco abuse, and drug abuse were risk factors significantly associated with increased perioperative opioid filling. Psychoses had a mixed effect on outcomes with decreased early perioperative filling and increased late perioperative filling. Pre-op opioid filling had the largest impact on perioperative opioid demand.

DISCUSSION

Pre-op opioid filling and drug abuse were the main mental health-related drivers of increased perioperative opioid prescription filling. Depression, psychoses, alcohol abuse, and tobacco abuse had small effects on prescription filling. These results can help identify patients at risk for increased opioid demand who may benefit from additional counseling, maximizing alternative pain management strategies, and possible referral to pain management specialists.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective, prognostic cohort study.