Author(s): Demsey, Daniel M.D., M.A.Sc.; Carr, Nicholas J. M.D.; Clarke, Hance M.D., Ph.D.; Vipler, Sharon M.D.

Summary: Opioid addiction is a public health crisis that affects all areas of medicine. Large numbers of the population across all racial and economic demographics misuse prescription opioids and use illicit opioids. The current understanding is that opioid misuse is a disease that requires treatment, and is not an issue of choice or character. Use of opioid medication is a necessary part of postoperative analgesia, but many physicians are unsure of how to do this safely given the risk of patients developing an opioid misuse disorder. This review gives an update of the current state of the opioid crisis, explains how current surgeons’ prescribing practices are contributing to it, and gives recommendations on how to use opioid medication safely in the perioperative period.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: October 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 4 - p 613e–619e doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003742

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