DECODING THE SIDE EFFECTS, TIMINGS, USE, AND NEED FOR OPIOID AND NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS PRESCRIBED FOLLOWING SINONASAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: Following surgery, the usage of opioid analgesics has significantly increased in the recent past. As a result, the mortality and morbidity linked to opioid use grew even more. After sinonasal surgery, the majority of patients use opioids, but most also utilize leftovers, which is improper use. 

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the necessity, usage patterns, adverse effects, and dosages of opioid and non-opioid analgesics after sinus surgery.

Methods: A retrospective assessment of 140 participants of both genders who had sinonasal surgery was conducted. The study employed a numeric rating scale to evaluate postoperative pain and determine the necessity of on-demand opioid and non-opioid analgesics, taking into account the surgical parameters and patient demographics. 

Results: The pain scores and medications used by research participants after surgery were 1.03±0.65, 1.12±0.52, 0.86±1.24, 0.68±1.26, and 0.41±0.86 on the day of surgery, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5. On the day of operation, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5, the amount of opioids utilized was 7.52±3.34 mg, 17.3±3.52 mg, 12.65±10.35 mg, 21.65±10.2 mg, 15±0 mg, and 15±0 mg, in that order. Opioids were taken by 60% (n=84), 0.71% (n=1), 1.42% (n=2), 0.71% (n=1), 0.71% (n=1), and 0.71% (n=1) of the subjects on operation day, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5. 91.42% (n=128), 40.71% (n=57), 34.28% (n=48), 33.57% (n=47), 21.42% (n=30), and 7.14% (n=10) of the research participants were not using opioids.

Conclusion: The current study reveals that neither opioids nor non-opioid analgesics are associated with any significant complications, and the majority of participants require opioids on the day of surgery. The research recommends starting non-opioid analgesic postoperative therapy and switching to opioids contingent on patient circumstances.  Keywords: sinus surgery, pain, postoperative pain, non-opioids, and opioids.