2
Key Points
➤ Prescribing opioids has come under scrutiny due to the nationwide
epidemic of opioid dependence and overdose-related deaths.
➤ Data on opioids misuse includes:
• Chronic pain patients
▶ Misuse: 21% – 29%
▶ Addiction: 8% – 12%
• 10% chronic misuse after short-stay surgery
• 40% of misuse is from diverted opioids
➤ Otolaryngologists are over-represented in prescribing opioids to
Medicare patients, accounting for 10% of all surgeons' prescriptions.
➤ This summary applies to patients of any age who require treatment
for anticipated or reported pain within 30 days after undergoing
common otolaryngologic procedures.
For the Purpose of this Guideline, the Authors Adopted the
Following Definitions:
Pain An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated
with actual or potential tissue damage and is categorized as mild,
moderate, or severe.
Postoperative
period
e period of patient recovery up to 30 days aer a surgical
procedure.
Opioids A class of medications that interact with opioid receptors, have
addictive potential, and are used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.
ey are legally available for health care providers to prescribe as
synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or prescription pain relievers
such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and others.
Analgesia e absence or reduction of pain in response to stimulation that
would normally be painful.
Opioid use
disorder (OUD)
When individuals are unable to cease or appropriately reduce
opioids and their opioid use negatively impacts work, school, or
social responsibilities.
Opioid diversion e transfer of prescription pain medications from the intended
person to another person.
