In this study, researchers investigated risk factors of increased postoperative prescription filling among ventral and incisional hernia repair (VIHR) patients.
This study found that preoperative opioid use during 45-day pre-admission correlated strongly with postoperative prescription filling in ventral and incisional hernia repair (VIHR) patients, and several independent risk factors were identified. One in two (VIHR) patients have preoperative opioid prescription within a year before procedure. The study's aim was to investigate risk factors of increased postoperative prescription filling in patients with or without preoperative opioid prescription. VIHR cases from 2013 to 2017 were reviewed. State prescription drug monitoring program data were linked to patient records. The primary endpoint was cumulative opioid dose dispensed through post-discharge day 45. Morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was used for uniform comparison. 205 patients were included in the study (average age 53.5 years; 50.7% female). Over 35% met criteria for preoperative opioid use. Preoperative opioid tolerance, superficial wound infection, current smoking status, and any dispensed opioids within 45 days of admission were independent predictors for increased postoperative opioid utilization (p < 0.001). (Published Abstract Provided)