Successful reduction in opioid prescriptions following urological surgery can be achieved through a variety of interventions without compromising pain control, according to findings published in The Journal of Urology. Kevin M. Carnes, MD, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 19 studies (8,318 patients) examining opioid prescriptions and urological surgery. The the overall mean reduction per patient in prescribed opioids was −67.59 morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Direct interventions, implemented by clinicians within the local department or hospital, were more effective than indirect or systemic interventions in reducing prescribed opioids (mean, −76.68 vs −46.72 MME). There was a significant mean reduction observed (−18.31 MME) in opioid consumption per patient after the intervention. Patient satisfaction with analgesia remained unchanged.
