Reduced Opioid Prescription After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Study Reduced Opioid Prescription After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Given the nationwide epidemic of opioid use and abuse (in part due to over prescription), this study aims at addressing the need for opioid prescription after laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Currently, there is a nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse and overdose deaths. One source of excess opioids is overprescribing in the postoperative period. Given the increasing opioid abuse and over-prescription post-operatively, an effort must be made to determine whether non-opioid multimodal medications are adequate in treating postoperative pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy and would not increase the need for additional prescriptions or unscheduled patient contacts. This study aims to find the optimal prescriptions for pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy in an attempt to eliminate opioid use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients over the age of 18 undergoing outpatient laparoscopic (conventional or robotic) hysterectomy for benign indications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy or other contraindication to the prescribed medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or oxycodone
• Known opioid use or abuse (defined as reported use or treatment for abuse within the last 3 months)
• Chronic pain patients
• Conversion to laparotomy
• Malignancy as the indication for surgery