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.
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
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“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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.”
“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 ”
“All staff were wonderful.”
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“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“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 ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
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