Evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines after lung resection: a prospective, multicenter analysis

Background: Opioid prescribing guidelines have significantly decreased overprescribing and post-discharge use after cardiac surgery; however, limited recommendations exist for general thoracic surgery patients, a similarly high-risk population. We examined opioid prescribing and patient-reported use to develop evidence-based, opioid prescribing guidelines after lung cancer resection. Methods: This prospective, statewide, quality improvement study was conducted between January 2020 to March 2021 and included patients undergoing surgical resection of a primary lung cancer across 11 institutions. Patient-reported outcomes at 1-month follow-up were linked with clinical data and Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) database records to characterize prescribing patterns and post-discharge use. The primary outcome was quantity of opioid used after discharge; secondary outcomes included quantity of opioid prescribed at discharge and patient-reported pain scores. Opioid quantities are reported in number of 5-mg oxycodone tablets (mean & PLUSMN; standard deviation).Results: Of the 602 patients identified, 429 met inclusion criteria. Questionnaire response rate was 65.0%. At discharge, 83.4% of patients were provided a prescription for opioids of mean size 20.5 & PLUSMN;13.1 pills, while patients reported using 8.2 & PLUSMN;13.0 pills after discharge (P<0.001), including 43.7% who used none. Those not taking opioids on the calendar day prior to discharge (32.4%) used fewer pills (4.4 & PLUSMN;8.1 vs. 11.7 & PLUSMN;14.9, P<0.001). Refill rate was 21.5% for patients provided a prescription at discharge, while 12.5% of patients not prescribed opioids at discharge required a new prescription before follow-up. Pain scores were 2.4 & PLUSMN;2.5 for incision site and 3.0 & PLUSMN;2.8 for overall pain (scale 0-10).Conclusions: Patient-reported post-discharge opioid use, surgical approach, and in-hospital opioid use before discharge should be used to inform prescribing recommendations after lung resection.

Automated summary

Prescribing guidelines for post-discharge opioid use after lung cancer resection are lacking. A study examined opioid prescribing and patient-reported use to develop evidence-based guidelines. The study found that surgical approach, in-hospital opioid use before discharge, and patient-reported post-discharge use should inform prescribing recommendations.