From the Journals

Tracking Opioid Refills After Surgery

Researchers evaluated perioperative and postdischarge factors associated with opioid refill prescriptions during the first 90 days after inpatient otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

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A study analyzing opioid prescribing practices from 2017 to 2023 found that despite a decrease in discharge opioid prescriptions, opioid refill rates within 90 days of discharge remained constant among 4,132 adult otolaryngology patients. Both overprescribing and underprescribing at discharge significantly increased refill risks. Factors like preoperative opioid use, higher postoperative pain scores, and previous refills were linked to higher refill rates. The study advocates for aligning discharge prescriptions with inpatient use to mitigate refill risks.

Original Source(s)

Tracking Opioid Refills After Surgery

Researchers evaluated perioperative and postdischarge factors associated with opioid refill prescriptions during the first 90 days after inpatient otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • February 6, 2026

  • 4 min

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