Impact of postsurgical opioid use and ileus on economic outcomes in gastrointestinal surgeries

Abstract

Use of opioids in patients who develop ileus following abdominal surgeries is associated with prolonged hospitalization, greater costs, and increased readmissions. Furthermore, higher doses of opioids are associated with higher incidence of POI. Limitations are related to the retrospective design and the use of administrative data (including reliance on ICD-9 coding). Yet POI may not be coded and therefore underestimated in our study. Assessment of pre-existing disease and preoperative pain management was not assessed. Despite these limitations, strategies to reduce opioid consumption may improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the associated economic impact.