Changing Surgical Course
Open surgery has saved the lives of patients, but, in some cases, can potentially set up future dangers. The dangers come in the form of medicine needed for recovery and pain management. A growing trend sees an overprescription of opioids. One solution may start in the operating room. Can a minimally invasive approach reduce prescriptions, saving even more lives?
Understanding opioids
Opioids are a term for a group of pain-relieving prescription drugs. Common opioids are oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone. Opioids work on a cellular level, reducing the perception of pain in the brain and body. Surgeons often prescribe opioids to manage severe pain patients experience after surgery. But is overprescription a big concern?
A revolving drug problem
Opioids contribute to 68% of drug-related deaths in America. Up to 40% of opioid-related deaths are prescriptions. Because of the effectiveness of opioids, overdependence becomes easy. Overdependence leads to refilling prescriptions long after the pain goes away. The revolving door leads to addiction, even overdosing and death.
A minimalist approach to healthcare
Open surgery helps surgeons to see the area needing attention clearly. Large incisions mean increased pain and healing time. With minimally invasive surgery (MIS), small incisions of less than an inch allow an endoscope to help perform surgeries. Surgeons can now operate using small tools from a second or third incision while viewing the surgical area remotely. The objective is to improve accuracy and speed while reducing infections and recovery.
The advantages of MIS
For MIS patients, recovery time decreases significantly. For example, the initial recovery period is 6-8 weeks for open carpal tunnel surgery. Whereas endoscopic release surgery has seen initial recovery times in 3-4 weeks. Shorter recovery times mean a smaller prescription. Smaller incisions mean less pain, faster recovery, and better management of drugs. And less pain means fewer pills needed altogether.
The proof is in the surgery
The data backs up the use of MIS to reduce opioid prescriptions and overdependence. A study monitored 150 patients for 4 different minimally invasive surgeries, and over 70% of the study group used 0% to only 50% of the prescribed opioids over the first 3-5 days. Some surgeons went a step further, reducing the prescriptions on 4 MIS to 45% over a 10-month period. The reduction saved over 10,000 pills with few requests for refills. But can minimally invasive surgery also help with addiction? A recent study compared addiction from open lung surgery versus a minimally invasive procedure. The rate of opioid addiction in open surgeries versus MIS was almost 2 to 1.
Less pain means fewer opioids
Opting for a less invasive surgery instead of open surgery helps in more ways than one. Measuring the degree of pain after surgery is difficult. Now, surgeons feel confident in providing fewer opioid prescriptions with minimally invasive surgery. The fight against potential addiction begins in the operating room.
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
Recent Posts
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
RFA vs Traditional Surgery: Choosing The Right Approach For Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management requires immediate long-term intervention. Surgery and RFA are fantastic options, but which approach is better?
