Clinical and surgical factors associated with opioid refill rates following septorhinoplasty.

Background: Septorhinoplasty is one the most common class of procedures performed worldwide, and opioids are frequently prescribed for post-operative pain [1].
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the rate of post-operative opioid prescription refills following septorhinoplasty.
Methods: This study was a case-control study of patients who underwent septoplasty and other secondary concomitant procedures.
Results: Of the 249 patients included in this study, the majority of patients (94.8%) were prescribed 12 tablets of hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5 mg - 325 mg and only 31 patients (13.3%) received refills. The presence of osteotomies and history of prior opioid use were associated with refills. Nasal valve repair type, open versus closed approach, and presence of autologous auricular cartilage graft harvest were not.
Discussion: Our study highlights factors that surgeons should consider when prescribing opioids after septorhinoplasty. Twelve tablets of an opioid are likely sufficient for the majority of patients, but if osteotomies are performed or the patient has a history of prior opioid use, more may be indicated to avoid the need for refills. Additional narcotics are not necessary for an open approach or for patients in which auricular cartilage is needed.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors of this study do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose. This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.
(Published by Elsevier Inc.)