Narcotic Free Cervical Endocrine Surgery: A Shift in Paradigm

Postoperative opioid use following head and neck endocrine surgery: A multi-center prospective study

Background

Opioid abuse is widespread in North America and the over-prescription of opioids are a contributing factor. The goal of this prospective study was to quantify over-prescription rates, evaluate postoperative experiences of pain, and understand the impact of peri-operative factors such as adequate pain counseling and use of non-opioid analgesia.

Methods

Consecutive recruitment of patients undergoing head and neck endocrine surgery was undertaken from January 1st 2020 to December 31st 2021 at four Canadian hospitals in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Postoperative tracking of pain levels and analgesic requirements were employed. Chart review and preoperative and postoperative surveys provided information on counseling, use of local anesthesia, and disposal plans.

Results

A total of 125 adult patients were included in the final analysis. Total thyroidectomy was the most common procedure (40.8%). Median use of opioid tablets was 2 (IQR 0-4), with 79.5% of prescribed tablets unused. Patients who reported inadequate counseling (n = 35, 28.0%) were more likely to use opioids (57.2% vs. 37.8%, p < .05) and less likely to use non-opioid analgesia in the early postoperative course (42.9% vs. 63.3%, p < .05). Patients who received local anesthesia peri-operatively (46.4%, n = 58) reported less severe pain on average [2.86 (2.13) vs. 4.86 (2.19), p < .05] and used less analgesia on postoperative day one [0 MME (IQR 0-4) vs. 4 MME (IQR 0-8), p < .05].

Conclusion

Over-prescription of opioid analgesia following head and neck endocrine surgery is common. Patient counseling, use of non-opioid analgesia, and peri-operative local anesthesia were important factors in narcotic use reduction.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Recovery After Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: How Do Our Patients Really Feel?

INTRODUCTION

Counseling on the immediate postoperative experience for outpatient procedures is largely based on anecdotal experience. We devised a short messaging service (SMS) survey using mobile phone text messages to evaluate real-time patient recovery following outpatient thyroid or parathyroid surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Daily automated SMS surveys were sent the evening of the operation until postoperative day 10. Pain, opioid use, voice quality, and energy levels were assessed. Impaired voice and energy was defined as a score < 2/3 of normal.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty five patients were enrolled with an overall response rate of 81.6%. One hundred thirty three patients had an individual response rate > 50% and were included in the final analysis. Median patient age was 60 y with 102 females (76.7%). Seventy patients (52.6%) underwent parathyroidectomy and 66 (49.6%) thyroidectomy and 10 (7.5%) neck dissection. Forty eight patients (36.1%) did not use any opioids postoperatively. Independent risk factors for higher total pain scores included thyroidectomy and patients with preoperative opioid or tobacco use, while increased opioid use was associated with age < 60 y, body mass index > 30 kg/m², preoperative opioid or tobacco use, and history of anxiety or depression. Patients with loss of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve signaling had a significantly worse overall voice score (54.65 versus 92.67, P < 0.001). Up to 10% of patients were still using opioids and/or reported impaired voice and energy levels beyond 1 wk postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-time SMS survey is an effective and potentially valuable way to monitor patient recovery following surgery. A subset of patients reported impaired voice and energy and was still using opioids beyond 1 wk after thyroid and parathyroid surgery and these patients may benefit from closer follow-up and earlier intervention.

Cervical Endocrine Surgery With a Novel Opioid-Limited Perioperative Protocol

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery could be comfortably discharged with minimal opioid analgesia. However, no study to date has examined the efficacy of limiting administration of opioids intraoperatively. We have developed a novel protocol for patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery that eliminates perioperative opioids. We sought to determine the efficacy of this protocol and its impact on opioid use at discharge.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective opt-in opioid-limited surgery program study to opioid-naive patients scheduled for cervical endocrine surgery beginning in August 2019. Postoperatively, nonopioid analgesia was encouraged, but patients were also given a low dose prescription for opioids at discharge. Patients were then matched with 2 retrospective control groups, patients from 2014-2016 and 2017-2018, in order to account for increased public awareness of opioid-prescribing patterns. Primary end points included perioperative opioid use. Secondary end points included postoperative pain scores and complications.

RESULTS

218 patients underwent cervical endocrine surgery with our opioid-limited protocol between August 2019 and February 2020. Nine patients received opioids intraoperatively (4%) and 109 (50%) filled their opioid prescriptions at discharge. Compared to retrospective control groups, the average oral morphine equivalents (OME) administered intraoperatively and prescribed postoperatively were significantly lower (P < .0001). Pain scores and complication rates were similar in all groups (P = .7247).

DISCUSSION

Our novel opioid-limited surgery protocol used in conjunction with preoperative counseling is an effective approach for pain control in patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery and limits opioid exposure throughout the perioperative period.

Outpatient endocrine surgery practice patterns are highly variable among US endocrine surgery fellowship programs

BACKGROUND

Current studies and guidelines have reported that outpatient endocrine surgery is safe. However, none recommend specific postoperative protocols.

METHODS

An internet-based survey, developed using expert input, was distributed to current (2021-2022) endocrine surgery fellows in American Association of Endocrine Surgeons-accredited programs (n = 23). Programs with ≤2% same-day discharge rate were compared with those with ≥2% same-day discharge rate.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 91% (21/23), representing 20 United States institutions performing >15,000 cervical endocrine operations annually. The same-day discharge rate after total thyroidectomy was not normally distributed across institutions (P < .0001) but appeared bimodal, highlighting dogmatic differences in the pursuit of same-day discharge. Nine programs had ≤2% same-day discharge rate, whereas seven had ≥90% same-day discharge rate. Fourteen (70%) reported minimum observation periods before discharge, without consistency across procedures or institutions. Total thyroidectomy patients were observed longer. Fourteen (70%) reported no geographic restrictions for same-day discharge. In programs with >2% same-day discharge (n = 11), clinical and operative factors inconsistently influenced same-day discharge after thyroidectomy. Living alone precluded same-day discharge in 3 programs. Lateral neck dissection and chronic anticoagulation each greatly reduced same-day discharge in one program and precluded same-day discharge in another. Central neck dissection, Graves' disease, substernal goiter, continuous positive airway pressure use, difficult/bloody operation, and signal on nerve stimulation had no or minimal effect on same-day discharge. Postoperative medication recommendations varied among programs. Although anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents were similarly held preoperatively across programs, resumption varied. Narcotics were routinely prescribed in 35%.

CONCLUSION

Same-day discharge is not uniform across endocrine surgery training programs and is likely primarily driven by surgeon preference. Factors influencing same-day discharge vary significantly among programs.

Predictors of opioid-free discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Post-discharge opioid requirement after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is minimal, yet postoperative opioid prescriptions vary and opioid-free discharges are rare.

STUDY DESIGN

Adult patients who underwent LC from 01/2019-12/2019 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of opioid-free discharge.

RESULTS

Of 393 included patients, 330 were discharged with opioids (median 12 oxycodone 5 mg pills) and 63 were discharged without opioids. One opioid-free discharge patient called for a prescription. Older age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.002-1.041) and non-elective procedure (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.2291-0.8521) were independent predictors of opioid-free discharge.

CONCLUSION

Significant opportunities for opioid reduction or elimination after discharge from LC exist. Non-elective procedure and older age are predictors of opioid-free discharge, and should be considered when individualizing prescription quantities as surgeons strive to reduce or eliminate opioid overprescription.

Remote smart pill cap monitoring of post-surgical pain management in thyroid and parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

With recent efforts to decrease opioid use following surgery, this study aims to answer: what pain regimen do patients follow at home? Is it controlling pain?

METHODS

This is a prospective, pilot study of thyroid and parathyroid surgery patients. Patients were prescribed acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and tramadol dispensed in smart pill (Pillsy) bottles that record "events" corresponding to medication use. Patients received messages querying their current pain level. Patients were compared to historical controls.

RESULTS

26 patients were in the Pillsy group and 30 in the control group. In the Pillsy group, pain scores averaged 3.67 out of 10 in the first 24 h after surgery and decreased each day. Patients took an average of 6.45 doses of acetaminophen, 6.64 doses of ibuprofen, and 1.82 doses of tramadol in the first week.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain scores are highest in the first 24 h after surgery and decrease thereafter. This acceptable level of pain can be achieved with non-opioid medications.

Optimization of Opioid Discharge Prescriptions Following Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement bundle on opioid discharge prescribing following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

This before-and-after study included patients undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy at an academic medical center. The quality improvement bundle included a patient education flyer, electronic health record order sets with multimodal analgesia regimens, and provider education. The preimplementation cohort included patients treated from January 2018 to December 2019. The postimplementation cohort included patients treated from June 2021 to August 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received new opioid discharge prescriptions.

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients were included in the preimplementation cohort, and the first 80 patients treated after bundle implementation were included in the postimplementation cohort. Patients receiving new opioid discharge prescriptions decreased from 80% (128/160) in the preimplementation cohort to 35% (28/80) in the postimplementation cohort with an unadjusted absolute reduction of 45% (95% CI, 33%-57%; P < .001; number needed to treat = 3) and an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04-0.19; P < .001). The bundle was associated with reductions in opioid discharge prescriptions that exceeded 112.5 oral morphine milligram equivalents (33% pre- vs 10% postimplementation; adjusted OR, 0.20; P = .001) or 5 days of therapy (17% pre- vs 6% postimplementation; adjusted OR, 0.34; P = .049).

DISCUSSION

Implementation of a pain management quality improvement bundle reduced opioid discharge prescribing following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Unnecessary opioid prescriptions generate unused opioids in patients' homes that can lead to opioid misuse. We believe that this bundle reduced the risk for opioid misuse in our community.

REGISTRATION

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04955444) before implementation.

Evaluating Age as a Predictor of Postoperative Opioid Use and Prescribing Habits in Older Adults With Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the narcotic use of older patients after oncologic resection.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Adults with neoplasms undergoing resection at a tertiary academic medical center.

METHODS

Open and minimally invasive resections of the pancreas, bowel, rectum, lung, breast, and skin were included. Emergent procedures, chronic opioid users, and benign pathology were excluded. Narcotic use was measured using morphine equivalents (MEQs, milligrams of morphine) at multiple time points and compared between younger and older (aged ≥65 years) patients. Refill requests were within 30 days of index procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 445 patients were eligible, and 245 were ≥65 years old. Despite longer length of stay (3 vs 2 days, P = .01), older patients used less narcotic medication [39.8 (150) mg vs 84 (229) mg, P = .004], and reported lower pain scores [1.3 (3.3) vs 2.8 (4.5), P = .0001] over the course of their hospitalization. Additionally, older patients had lower normalized narcotic use [15.3 (150) mg vs 77.4 (240) mg, P = .0001] in the last 48 hours of their admission. Following discharge, older patients had a lower median discharge MEQ (DC MEQ) compared with younger patients, 75 (150) mg vs 112.5 (102.5) mg, P = .002. Further stratifying older patients into age cohorts (65-74 years, 75-84 years, ≥85 years) revealed progressively less narcotic use as measured by total inpatient MEQ and final 48 hours. Additionally, progressively older patients were discharged with progressively lower DC MEQ compared with younger patients, 90 (112.5) mg, 50 (131.3) mg, and 0 (60) mg vs 112.5 (102.5) mg, P < .0001, respectively. Finally, older patients requested refills less often than younger counterparts, 6.5% vs 14.5%, P = .006.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Older patients with cancer reported lower pain scores, consumed less narcotics, were discharged with significantly less narcotics, and called for refills less often compared with younger patients after surgery. These data suggest this population may require less opioids for satisfactory pain control, and development of a guideline targeting postoperative multimodal analgesia in older adults is warranted.

Perioperative pain management for thyroid and parathyroid surgery: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

A growing body of evidence suggests that surgeons have historically over-prescribed opioid pain medications following thyroid and parathyroid surgery, thereby potentially contributing to the current US opioid epidemic. We reviewed the evidence supporting multimodal methods of pain control after cervical endocrine surgery.

METHODS

Fifty-one randomized clinical trials, 9 prospective cohort studies, 7 retrospective studies/reviews, and 1 survey regarding pain management for cervical endocrine surgery were include.

RESULTS

Most studies reported in-hospital pain scores and opioid consumption. Data on pain scores following discharge were limited. In several studies, the interventional dose was much greater than what is commonly used clinically.

CONCLUSION

Several evidence-based, non-opioid interventions can be incorporated into a standardized pain management protocol following cervical endocrine surgery. Little is known regarding the effects of these interventions on post-discharge pain scores and patient quality of life during recovery.

Perioperative pain management and opioid-reduction in head and neck endocrine surgery: An American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section consensus statement

BACKGROUND

This American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) consensus statement focuses on evidence-based comprehensive pain management practices for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Overutilization of opioids for postoperative pain management is a major contributing factor to the opioid addiction epidemic however evidence-based guidelines for pain management after routine head and neck endocrine procedures are lacking.

METHODS

An expert panel was convened from the membership of the AHNS, its Endocrine Surgical Section, and ThyCa. An extensive literature review was performed, and recommendations addressing several pain management subtopics were constructed based on best available evidence. A modified Delphi survey was then utilized to evaluate group consensus of these statements.

CONCLUSIONS

This expert consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for effective postoperative pain management following head and neck endocrine procedures with a focus on limiting unnecessary use of opioid analgesics.

One institution's experience with self-audit of opioid prescribing practices for common cervical procedures

BACKGROUND

We aim to audit our institution's opioid prescribing practices after common cervical procedures.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study from one medical center. Reviewed records from 2016-2019 for 472 patients who underwent one of several common cervical procedures. Data collected on demographics, perioperative details, in-hospital pain medication use, and opioids prescribed at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was run.

RESULTS

In hospital, median daily milligram morphine equivalents (MME) was 4 (IQR 0-15). Median MME prescribed at discharge was 112.5 MME (IQR 75-150). 3/472 patients received NSAIDs. Predictors of decreased discharge MME were age 70 and older (OR 0.33, p = 0.037) and more recent year (compared to 2016, OR 0.23 [p = 0.031] for 2017, OR 0.13 [p = 0.001] for 2018, and OR 0.070 [p < 0.001] for 2019).

CONCLUSIONS

MME prescribed at discharge was 28 times the daily in-hospital MME. Only 3/472 patients received postoperative NSAIDs. Self-auditing of opioid prescribing practices identifies actionable items for change.

Evaluation of Opioid Prescription and Consumption Habits Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

There has been a dramatic rise in opioid-related deaths over the past decade. Most of the reduction strategies have focused on outpatient use; however, recent studies have demonstrated an association between inpatient opioid use and consumption following discharge across a variety of surgical procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of inpatient use of opioids as well as the consumption of opioids after discharge following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for cases between 2015 and 2018. Patients were included in the study if they underwent an elective EVAR, had an intensive care unit stay less than 1 day and total length of stay less than 3 days. Patients were contacted to participate in a survey of opioid use if they received a prescription at discharge. The primary outcome was percent of prescribed opioids consumed following discharge. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of receiving an opioid prescription.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-one patients were included in the analysis; 95% patients were white and 85% male. 59% of patients responded to the survey. Seventy-one (42%) received an opioid prescription at discharge. Patients that received a discharge prescription tended to be younger (71 vs. 75 years, P = 0.005) and more likely to have received opioids while in the hospital (79% vs. 45%, P < 0.001). Additionally, patients who received opioids at discharge received a significantly greater amount of milligram oral morphine equivalents (OME) while in the hospital (27.76 ± 38.91 vs. 10.05 ±29.43, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated age, estimated blood loss (EBL), and OME per day to be significant inpatient predictors of requiring an outpatient opioid prescription. Open femoral access (27%) was not a predictor of opioid prescription at discharge. A total of 1185 pills were prescribed (29.6 ± 2.06 per patient), but only 208 pills consumed (5.2 ± 1.27 per patient). Around 82% of total pills prescribed were not consumed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluates inpatient opioid use and postdischarge consumption following EVAR. These data identify key factors associated with receiving an opioid prescription at discharge and demonstrate that patients consume far fewer opioids than prescribed. These findings provide insight as to which patients may not require an outpatient prescription following EVAR, leading to potential practice-changing opioid reduction strategies.

Reducing Opioid Use in Endocrine Surgery Through Patient Education and Provider Prescribing Patterns

BACKGROUND

Postoperative opioid use can lead to dependence, contributing to the opioid epidemic in the United States. New persistent opioid use after minor surgeries occurs in 5.9% of patients. With increased documentation of persistent opioid use postoperatively, surgeons must pursue interventions to reduce opioid use perioperatively.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study to assess the feasibility of a preoperative intervention via patient education or counseling and changes in provider prescribing patterns to reduce postoperative opioid use. We included adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy from January 22, 2019 to February 28, 2019 at a tertiary referral, academic endocrine surgery practice. Surveys were administered to assess pain and patient satisfaction postoperatively. Prescription, demographic, and comorbidity data were collected from the electronic health record.

RESULTS

Sixty six patients (74.2% women, mean age 58.6 [SD 14.9] y) underwent thyroidectomy (n = 35), parathyroidectomy (n = 24), and other cervical endocrine operations (n = 7). All patients received a preoperative educational intervention in the form of a paper handout. 90.9% of patients were discharged with prescriptions for nonopioid pain medications, and 7.6% were given an opioid prescription on discharge. Among those who received an opioid prescription, the median quantity of opioids prescribed was 135 (IQR 120-150) oral morphine equivalents. On survey, four patients (6.1%) reported any postoperative opioid use, and 94.6% of patients expressed satisfaction with their preoperative education and postoperative pain management.

CONCLUSIONS

Clear and standardized education regarding postoperative pain management is feasible and associated with high patient satisfaction. Initiation of such education may support efforts to minimize unnecessary opioid prescriptions in the population undergoing endocrine surgery.

Patients' Experience With Opioid Pain Medication After Discharge From Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Decreasing the number of prescription opioids has been a leading strategy in combating the opioid epidemic. In Vermont, statewide and institutional policies have affected prescribing practices, resulting in a 40% decrease in postoperative opioid prescribing. The optimal approach to postoperative opioid prescribing remains unknown. In this study, we describe patients' experience with pain control 1 wk after discharge from surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed patients' experience using a telephone questionnaire, 1-wk after discharge after undergoing common surgical procedures between 2017 and 2019 at an academic medical center (n = 1027). Scaled responses regarding pain control, opioids prescribed, and opioids used (response rate 96%) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach; open-ended patient responses to questions regarding whether the number of opioids prescribed was "correct" were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

One week after discharge, 96% of patients reported that their pain was well controlled. When asked whether they received the correct number of opioid pills postoperatively, qualitative analysis of patient responses yielded the following six themes: (1) I had more than I needed, but not more than I wanted; (2) Rationed medication; (3) Medication was not effective; (4) Caution regarding risks of opioids; (5) Awareness of the public health concerns; and (6) Used opioids from a prior prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported pain control after common surgical procedures was excellent. However, patients are supportive of receiving more pain medications than they actually use, and they fear that further restrictions may prevent them or others from managing pain adequately. Understanding the patients' perspective is important for surgical education and improving discharge protocols.

Are narcotic pain medications necessary after discharge following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy have similar postoperative pain if managed with an opioid-sparing regimen versus an opioid-containing regimen. We hypothesized that an opioid-sparing regimen would provide equivalent analgesia.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, randomized trial (clinicaltrials.govNCT03640247) comparing non-narcotic and narcotic postoperative pain regimens after discharge. Patients ≥18 y undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were taking a narcotic. Patients in the nonnarcotic arm of the study received acetaminophen, alternating with ibuprofen, and patients in the narcotic arm received the same medications plus a narcotic.

RESULTS

Of 126 patients, 64 patients were in the nonnarcotic group and 62 were in the narcotic group. The mean age was 54 ± 14 y, and 108 (86%) patients were female. Median pain scores were similar on postoperative day #0 (narcotic group 7 versus nonnarcotic group 7.5), postoperative day #1 (narcotic group 6 versus nonnarcotic group 6), postoperative day #2 (narcotic group 5 versus nonnarcotic group 5), postoperative day #3 (narcotic group 4 versus nonnarcotic group 4), postoperative day #4 (narcotic group 3 versus nonnarcotic 3) and postoperative day #5 (narcotic group 2.5 versus nonnarcotic group 2, all P > .1). A total of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group did not take a narcotic. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients in the nonnarcotic group and of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group took a median total of 2 narcotic tablets.

CONCLUSION

An opioid-sparing pain medication regimen provides effective analgesia for most patients after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.