Quantifying the use of opioids in the immediate postoperative period after endoscopic sinus surgery

Clinical Practice Guideline: Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this specialty-specific clinical practice guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities and provide clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis in adults. The target audience includes otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons who manage adults with chronic rhinosinusitis, including candidacy and performance of endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODS

This guideline was developed using the 55-page protocol published as the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual (3rd edition), which summarizes the methodology for assessments of current data, topic prioritization, development of key action statements (KASs), application of value judgments, and related procedures. The guideline group represented otolaryngologists, rhinologists, advanced practice nursing and physician assistants, and consumers who represented participating national professional organizations.

ACTION STATEMENTS

The Guideline Development Group made strong recommendations for the following KASs: Before considering surgery, the surgeon should verify an existing diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis to ensure established diagnostic criteria (signs and symptoms) from clinical practice guidelines are met, and the surgeon should assess candidacy for sinus surgery based on symptoms, disease characteristics, quality of life, and prior medical or surgical therapy (KASs 1A and 1B). The surgeon or their designee should not prescribe antibacterial therapy to an adult with chronic rhinosinusitis if significant or persistent purulent nasal discharge (anterior, posterior, or both) is absent on examination (KAS 3). The Guideline Development Group made recommendations for the following KASs: The surgeon should not endorse or require a predefined, one-size-fits-all regimen or duration of medical therapy (eg, antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines) as a prerequisite to sinus surgery for an adult with chronic rhinosinusitis (KAS 2). The surgeon should identify patients with chronic rhinosinusitis that would benefit most from surgery and are least likely to benefit from continued medical therapy alone, such as those with chronic rhinosinusitis subtypes that include, but are not limited to, chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, polyps with bony erosion, eosinophilic mucin, or fungal balls (KAS 4). The surgeon or their designee should counsel patients before sinus surgery to establish realistic expectations, including the potential for chronicity or relapse, and the likelihood of long-term medical management, taking into account their chronic rhinosinusitis subtype (KAS 5). The surgeon should offer sinus surgery to an adult with chronic rhinosinusitis when the anticipated benefits exceed that of nonsurgical management alone, there is clarity regarding the anticipated outcomes, and the patient understands the expectation for long-term disease management following surgery (KAS 6). For an adult who is a candidate for sinus surgery, the surgeon or their designee should obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan with a fine-cut protocol, if not already available, to examine the paranasal sinuses for surgical planning (KAS 7). The surgeon should not plan the extent of sinus surgery (eg, which specific sinuses to operate on) solely based on arbitrary criteria regarding a minimal level of mucosal thickening, sinus opacification, or outflow obstruction on a CT scan (KAS 8). The surgeon or their designee should educate an adult with chronic rhinosinusitis who is scheduled for sinus surgery regarding anticipated postoperative care, specifically pain control, debridement, medical management, activity restrictions, return to work, duration and frequency of follow-up visits, and the potential for recurrent disease or revision surgery (KAS 9). When the sinus involves polyps, osteitis, bony erosion, or fungal disease in an adult with chronic rhinosinusitis who is scheduled for sinus surgery, the surgeon should perform sinus surgery that includes full exposure of the sinus cavity (lumen) and removal of diseased tissue, not just balloon or manual ostial dilation, or refer the patient to a surgeon who can perform this extent of surgery (KAS 10). The surgeon or their designee should routinely follow up to assess and document outcomes of sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis, between 3 and 12 months after the procedure, through history (symptom relief, quality of life, complications, adherence to therapy, need for rescue medications, and ongoing care) and nasal endoscopy (KAS 11). There were no recommendations that were considered options from the Guideline Development Group.

A Review of Postoperative Care Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES

This study reviews current postoperative care recommendations following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with the goal of optimizing recovery, minimizing complications, and reducing the risk of disease recurrence.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies on postoperative care following ESS for CRS. Findings were synthesized to develop evidence-based recommendations for optimal postoperative management.

RESULTS

Postoperative care following ESS for CRS requires a multifaceted approach. Pain management should prioritize acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with opioids reserved for severe pain. Nasal irrigation, topical corticosteroids, and debridement are recommended for all patients. Nasal packing and drug-eluting devices may offer additional benefits, but are not universally required. The use of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids should be selective and guided by individual patient factors and risk profiles.

DISCUSSION

While general recommendations are made, patient-specific factors such as comorbidities, financial constraints, and adherence to care must be considered. Further evaluation of these factors is essential to establish a more comprehensive and individualized standard of care for postoperative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective postoperative care following ESS for CRS should be individualized, multifaceted, and focused on improving recovery, minimizing complications, and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

Association Between Perioperative Celecoxib, Acetaminophen, and Opioid Consumption After Palate Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of perioperative celecoxib and acetaminophen administration on opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after palate surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center.

METHODS

Adults with OSA undergoing soft palate surgery and admitted to the hospital postoperatively between July 2013 and June 2023 were included. Study participants were also included if they underwent concurrent nasal surgery but excluded if they underwent any pharyngeal surgery other than tonsillectomy or were taking opioids prior to surgery. Opioids administered after surgery were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between total MME consumed in the first 24 hours postoperatively and celecoxib and acetaminophen usage.

RESULTS

A total of 210 study participants (15.7% female) were included with a mean age of 48.8 ± 37.5 years. The mean MME consumed in the first 24 hours after palate surgery was 80.2 ± 63.9. One hundred and twenty-six (60%) study participants received perioperative celecoxib, while 195 (93%) received perioperative acetaminophen. Celecoxib use was associated with lesser MME (-2.7 ± 1.1 MME per 100 mg; P = .018) consumed postoperatively, while acetaminophen was not (-0.3 ± 0.3 MME per 100 mg; P = .43). Female gender, Asian race, and African American race were also associated with lesser MME consumed postoperatively, while autoimmune/immunosuppressive conditions and tonsillectomy were associated with greater MME consumption.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative celecoxib was associated with reduced MME consumption in the first 24 hours after palate surgery. No association was found between acetaminophen and postoperative opioid use.

Predictive Factors for Postoperative Opioid Use in Elective Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

OBJECTIVE

In 2017, the United States opioid epidemic was declared a public health emergency. Increased efforts have been made to understand and reduce patient opioid use in neurosurgery. However, the factors associated with postoperative opioid use remain understudied in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS). We identified the demographic and surgical factors associated with postoperative opioid use in EESBS.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent elective EESBS between January 2015 and December 2020. Patient demographics, relevant clinical history, and operative data were collected and analyzed. Total opioid use was calculated 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with opioid use.

RESULTS

There were 454 patients included. A history of anxiety/depression and younger patient age were associated with a significant increase in opioid use at 24 (28.2 MME, p < 0.001), 48 (53.4 MME, p < 0.001), and 72 (89.4 MME, p < 0.001) hours after surgery. Nasoseptal flap use was significantly associated with increased opioid use at 24 (12.8 MME, p < 0.49) and 48 (19.6 MME, p < 0.048) h postoperatively while controlling for intraoperative variables and surgical approach (trans-sellar vs. expanded). No significant association was observed for patient sex, history of migraines, preoperative opioid use, length of surgery, or surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing EESBS, patient history of anxiety/depression, younger patient age, and nasoseptal flap use are associated with increased postoperative opioid use. Knowledge of these risk factors may guide perioperative prescribing patterns to both adequately control postoperative pain and reduce opioid use.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 133:494-499, 2023.

Assessing Impact: Implementing an Opioid Prescription Protocol in Otolaryngology

OBJECTIVE

A lack of guidance for pain control after otolaryngology surgery can lead to overprescription of opioids. We implemented a postoperative site-specific opioid prescription protocol and analyzed the impact on opioid prescriptions.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. A postoperative opioid prescription protocol was implemented within our otolaryngology department at a tertiary academic medical center on January 1, 2020. Retrospective chart review was completed for all patients undergoing otolaryngology surgery from November 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020 (2 months before and after initiation of intervention; n = 1070). The primary outcome was change in the amount of opioid prescribed for the preintervention and postintervention cohorts. Unplanned contact related to pain and opioid refills were tracked to assess pain control.

RESULTS

A total of 940 cases were included; adult and pediatric data were analyzed separately. There were 489 pediatric cases, 250 preintervention and 239 postintervention. There was a significant decrease in the amount of opioid prescribed per pediatric patient in the postintervention cohort (2.7 versus 0.32 morphine milligram equivalents, P = 0.02), and 99% of patients were not prescribed opioids at all. There was no significant change in unplanned contact, and no refills were required. There were 451 adult cases, 200 preintervention and 251 postintervention. There was no statistically significant decrease in the amount of opioid prescribed per adult patient (56.8 versus 51.7 morphine milligram equivalents, P = 0.23). There was no significant increase in unplanned contact or refills.

CONCLUSIONS

A postoperative opioid prescribing protocol can reduce the amount of opioid prescribed without increasing unplanned contact or opioid refills.

Predictive Factors for Postoperative Opioid Use in Elective Skull Base Craniotomies

Objective In 2017, the United States officially declared opioid overuse a public health emergency. Due to a paucity of published benchmark data in skull base neurosurgery, we quantified postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing skull base craniotomies and identified factors that influence postoperative opioid use.

Setting Tertiary academic medical center.

Participants Patients who underwent elective craniotomies by two skull base neurosurgeons between January 2015 and May 2020.

Main Outcome Measures Demographic and perioperative data were retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record. Surgical approaches were categorized as having either “significant” or “minimal” muscle dissection. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of postoperative opioid use at 24, 48, and 72 hours.

Results We included 300 craniotomies, 206 were supratentorial and 94 were infratentorial. This included 195 women and 105 men, with a mean age of 54.9 years. In multivariable analysis, a history of anxiety or depression, preoperative opioid use, and a history of migraines independently predicted a significantly greater opioid use at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Increased age and minimal muscle dissection independently predicted lower opioid consumption. Sex, infratentorial versus supratentorial approach, length of surgery, and postoperative steroid use did not impact total opioid use.

Conclusion Younger age, history of anxiety or depression, preoperative opioid consumption, preexisting history of migraines, and significant intraoperative muscle dissection were associated with higher postoperative opioid consumption. These risk factors provide insight on potential targets for minimizing postoperative opioids in craniotomies.

Patterns of Opioid Usage and Predictors of Utilization Following Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Pain control is an important topic that has not been extensively studied in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). The purpose of this study is to identify opioid requirements after ESBS and the risk factors predictive of increased use.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing ESBS at a tertiary academic skull base surgery program between July 2018 and August 2020. The primary outcome variable was total morphine equivalent dose (MED) requirements after surgery, calculated as the sum of all morphine milligram equivalents over a 24-h period, and summated across the duration of each participant's hospital course.

RESULTS

94 patients were included in this review. Average daily MED requirements were 14.00 ± 6.79 mg. Average total MED requirements were 83.78 ± 92.99 mg during hospitalization. Average length of stay (LOS) was 5.71 ± 4.42 days, with 22 (23.4%) patients not requiring opioid use upon discharge. On multivariate analysis, female sex (β = 49.62; 95% CI [13.53, 85.71], p = 0.008), nasoseptal flap (NSF) reconstruction (β = 49.56; 95% CI [13.51, 85.61], p = 0.008) and LOS (β = 4.02; 95% CI [0.001, 8.04], p = 0.050) were independently associated with higher total MED requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

We report average total MED requirements of 83.78 mg after ESBS, with female sex, intraoperative use of an NSF, and increased LOS as predictors of higher MED use. This data indicates a subset of patients who may benefit from more aggressive pain control strategies upfront, including consideration of non-opioid, multimodal pain regimens.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Depression and female gender associated with higher postoperative pain scores after sinonasal surgery

BACKGROUND

Although it is extremely necessary to reduce the number of opioids taken postoperatively after sinonasal surgery, this is the subject of controversial discussion.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict higher postoperative pain scores (PPS) and the need for opioid analgesics after sinonasal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of n = 492 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), septoplasty or a combination of both in the Otolaryngology Department in Erlangen between January and December 2018. Postoperative pain using the numeric rating scale and the postoperative need for non-opioid and opioid analgesics in relation to demographic and surgical parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Significant predictors for a higher pain score were depression (p = .009) and female gender (p < .001). A significant predictor of the need for postoperative opioids was the female gender (p < .001), whereas FESS alone showed a significantly lower need for opioids (p = .035) and a significantly lower PPS compared to septoplasty (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

The study identified risk factors for a higher PPS and the need for opioids. The results indicated that reducing postoperative opioids might be possible in patients without these risk factors and might help guide individualized postoperative therapy.

Are NSAIDs effective enough for postoperative pain control after functional endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and septoplasty are commonly performed procedures without standardized post-operative pain regimens. There is reluctance to prescribe opioids for postoperative pain given their potential for abuse. NSAIDS have been previously demonstrated to reduce or even obviate the need for opioid pain medications after otolaryngologic surgeries, but prospective validation is lacking.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy of diclofenac sodium to hydrocodone/acetaminophen (APAP) following ESS with or without septoplasty was performed. Participants were given a 100 mm visual analog pain scale (VAS) at postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3, and 5 following ESS. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare pain scores between groups.

RESULTS

One hundred patients enrolled, and 74 patients provided pain scores to the survey. Pain was greatest for both groups on postoperative day one. Treatment with diclofenac sodium versus hydrocodone/APAP did not statistically impact pain scores at POD 1, 2, 3, or 5. No cases of epistaxis requiring an emergency room visit or return to the operating room were noted during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Diclofenac sodium may be non-inferior to hydrocodone/APAP in treating pain after ESS with or without septoplasty in opioid naïve patients without preexisting pain conditions. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to investigate the potential superiority of diclofenac to hydrocodone/APAP in certain patients after ESS and septoplasty. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Opiate Use After Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

BACKGROUND

The literature on opiate use after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors for higher opiate use following EETS and the quantity of opiates used after discharge.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 144 patients undergoing EETS from July 2018 to July 2020 was conducted. Patient, tumor, and surgical factors were documented. Pain scores and medications used on postoperative days (POD) 0 and 1, and discharge prescriptions, were recorded. Opiate use was quantified using morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dose. Multiple linear regression determined risk factors independently associated with POD0 to 1 opiate use.

RESULTS

On POD 0 to 1, mean pain score was 4.9/10 (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.0). Mean acetaminophen use was 3.4 tablets (SD ± 1.6; 650 mg per tablet). Mean opiate use was 35.6 MME (SD ± 36.3), equivalent to 4.7 tablets (SD ± 4.8) of oxycodone 5 mg. Multiple linear regression showed that current smokers required an additional 37.1 MME (P = .011), and patients with grade 3 intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks required an additional 36.7 MME (P = .046) on POD0 to 1. On discharge, mean opiate prescription was 117.7 MME (SD ± 102.1), equivalent to 15.7 tablets (SD ± 13.6) of oxycodone 5 mg. Thirty-nine patients (27.1%) did not require prescriptions. Only 10 patients (6.9%) required opiate refill(s) within 30 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing EETS have higher opiate needs compared to those undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery, although the overall requirements are still considered low. Independent risk factors associated with higher opiate use in the immediate postoperative period included current smokers and grade 3 intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Pain and Opioid Consumption Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Surgeons have a critical role in the current opioid epidemic, and there is a need to prospectively understand patterns of pain and opioid use among patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational cohort study that included patients undergoing ESS from November 2019 to March 2020. Demographic data were collected at baseline, as was respondent information regarding preoperative anxiety, pain, and postoperative pain expectations. Opioid use was converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MME). All patients received 10 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone (75 MME). Patients quantified postoperative pain and opioid consumption via telephone follow-up every 48 hours. The primary outcome was total MME utilized.

RESULTS

There were 91 patients included in the final cohort. Mean opioid use was 35.2 ± 47.3 MME. There were 29 (32%) patients who did not use any opioids after surgery, and six (7%) patients who required opioid refills. Postoperative opioid use was associated with increased preoperative anxiety (r = 0.41, P < .001), preoperative pain (r = 0.28, P = .007), and expectations for postoperative pain (r = 0.36, P < .001). Increased postoperative pain was only associated with increased opioid use on postoperative days 0-2 (r = 0.33, P = .001) and 3-4 (r = 0.59, P < .001). On multivariate regression, former smoking (β = 23.4 MME, SE = 10.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3-43.5, P = .023) and anxiety (β = 35.9, SE = 10.2, 95% CI: 15.6-56.3, P < .001) were associated with increased MME.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients have minimal opioid use after ESS, and pain appears to influence opioid use within the first 4 days after surgery. Additionally, patients with anxiety may benefit from alternative pain management strategies to mitigate opioid consumption.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations

OBJECTIVE

Opioid use disorder (OUD), which includes the morbidity of dependence and mortality of overdose, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Overprescription of opioids can lead to chronic use and misuse, and unused narcotics after surgery can lead to their diversion. Research supports that most patients do not take all the prescribed opioids after surgery and that surgeons are the second largest prescribers of opioids in the United States. The introduction of opioids in those with OUD often begins with prescription opioids. Reducing the number of extra opioids available after surgery through smaller prescriptions, safe storage, and disposal should reduce the risk of opioid use disorder in otolaryngology patients and their families.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation. Employing these action statements should reduce the variation in care across the specialty and improve postoperative pain control while reducing risk of OUD. The target patients for the guideline are any patients treated for anticipated or reported pain within the first 30 days after undergoing common otolaryngologic procedures. The target audience of the guideline is otolaryngologists who perform surgery and clinicians who manage pain after surgical procedures. Outcomes to be considered include whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.The guideline addresses assessment of the patient for OUD risk factors, counseling on pain expectations, and identifying factors that can affect pain duration and/or severity. It also discusses the use of multimodal analgesia as first-line treatment and the responsible use of opioids. Last, safe disposal of unused opioids is discussed.This guideline is intended to focus on evidence-based quality improvement opportunities judged most important by the guideline development group. It is not a comprehensive guide on pain management in otolaryngologic procedures. The statements in this guideline are not intended to limit or restrict care provided by clinicians based on their experiences and assessments of individual patients.

ACTION STATEMENTS

The guideline development group made strong recommendations for the following key action statements: (3A) prior to surgery, clinicians should identify risk factors for opioid use disorder when analgesia using opioids is anticipated; (6) clinicians should advocate for nonopioid medications as first-line management of pain after otolaryngologic surgery; (9) clinicians should recommend that patients (or their caregivers) store prescribed opioids securely and dispose of unused opioids through take-back programs or another accepted method.The guideline development group made recommendations for the following key action statements: (1) prior to surgery, clinicians should advise patients and others involved in the postoperative care about the expected duration and severity of pain; (2) prior to surgery, clinicians should gather information specific to the patient that modifies severity and/or duration of pain; (3B) in patients at risk for OUD, clinicians should evaluate the need to modify the analgesia plan; (4) clinicians should promote shared decision making by informing patients of the benefits and risks of postoperative pain treatments that include nonopioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and nonpharmacologic interventions; (5) clinicians should develop a multimodal treatment plan for managing postoperative pain; (7) when treating postoperative pain with opioids, clinicians should limit therapy to the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration; (8A) clinicians should instruct patients and caregivers how to communicate if pain is not controlled or if medication side effects occur; (8B) clinicians should educate patients to stop opioids when pain is controlled with nonopioids and stop all analgesics when pain has resolved; (10) clinicians should inquire, within 30 days of surgery, whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.

Rehabilitation of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Introduction. In the case of many patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), antibiotic and steroid therapies fail, and surgery is required. The recovery of patients after surgery equally depends on the postoperative behavior of each individual patient. The paper presents the outcomes of recovery after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in a group of 74 patients. Methods. The study was conducted in patients undergoing surgical treatment by FESS, performed by the same surgeon. For the development of the statistical database, the clinical records were collected by the same investigator. Results. On the day of surgery and on the first postoperative day, 72.9% of patients reported facial pain, 41.8% nausea, 9.4% nasal bleeding, 8.8% vomiting. At 6 months postoperatively, 71.6% of patients estimated that they had a better quality of life than before surgery, 64.8% mentioned an improvement of olfaction as an effect, and 6.7% developed septal turbinate synechiae. Conclusions. No major complications were identified in the recovery of CRS patients after FESS. Postoperative facial pain was less well tolerated by young patients (18-35 years old). The improvement of smell and the increase of disease-specific quality of life are the most relevant results of recovery after FESS mentioned by the patients included in our study. The otorhinolaryngologist and the family doctor play an important role in the education of patients regarding the importance of treatment with mineral and thermal waters in post-FESS recovery. Keywords: chronic rhinosinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS, rehabilitation, ERAS protocols,

Are opioids necessary in post sinus surgery care?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of the review is to review the recent literature on the use of opioids in post sinus surgery care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research regarding the use of opioids in post sinus surgery over the past two years support previous thinking that there is an overprescription of opioids for an operation which is not particularly painful, resulting in the potential for narcotic abuse and misuse.

SUMMARY

Large randomized controlled trials with detailed pain recording scoring systems are needed to assess the opioid requirements - if any - after sinus surgery.