Premium
Enhanced recovery after surgery in head and neck surgery: Reduced opioid use and length of stay
Author(s) -
Jandali Danny B.,
Vaughan Deborah,
Eggerstedt Michael,
Ganti Ashwin,
Scheltens Holly,
Ramirez Emily A.,
Revenaugh Peter C.,
AlKhudari Samer,
Smith Ryan M.,
Stenson Kerstin M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.28191
Subject(s) - medicine , narcotic , retrospective cohort study , morphine , anesthesia , surgery , cohort , head and neck , narcotic analgesics , opioid , receptor
Objectives Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols were first developed in colorectal surgery and sought to standardize patient care. There have been several studies in the head and neck surgical literature looking at outcomes after ERAS protocol, but no studies focusing on narcotic use and length of stay. This study aimed to evaluate narcotic usage and length of stay, in addition to several other outcomes, following the implementation of an ERAS protocol. Methods A head and neck–specific ERAS protocol was implemented at this tertiary care center beginning July 2017. A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing this cohort to that of a retrospective control group. Outcomes included mean morphine equivalent dose, mean pain score, and percentage of patients prescribed narcotics on discharge. Secondary outcomes included ICU and total length of stay. Results The mean morphine equivalent dose (MED) administered within 72 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in the ERAS group (17.5 ± 46.0 mg vs. 82.7 ± 116.1 mg, P < .001). Average postoperative pain scores in the first 72 hours were lower in the ERAS group (2.6 ± 1.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.9; P < .001). The average length of stay was shorter for ERAS patients (7.8 ± 4.8 vs. 9.7 ± 4.7 days, P = .008); however, there was no significant difference in ICU length of stay. Conclusion Following implementation of an ERAS protocol, patients undergoing head and neck surgery had decreased narcotic use in the immediate postoperative period and at discharge, while also demonstrating improved postoperative analgesia. Level of Evidence Level 3 Laryngoscope , 130:1227–1232, 2020