Reduction in Opioid Prescribing Using a Postoperative Pain Management Protocol following Scrotal and Subinguinal Surgery

Introduction: Excess prescribing of opioid pain medication increases medical costs and the potential for abuse by patients and others. We sought to improve our understanding of postoperative pain and opioid use after scrotal and subinguinal urological surgery to develop a protocol for pain management.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed opioid prescribing and usage in 20 patients undergoing scrotal or subinguinal surgery. Collected data were used to develop a standardized postoperative protocol. This protocol included enhanced pain management education and limiting outpatient opioid prescriptions. Outcomes analysis was then performed for 60 consecutive patients via questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and ANOVA. Linear regression was performed comparing age and narcotic use.Results: Comparison of preprotocol and postprotocol implementation opioid prescriptions and consumption showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of tablets prescrib...