Evaluating contemporary pain management practices in thyroid and parathyroid surgery: A national survey of head and neck endocrine surgeons. Issue 7 (13th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrell, Jay K.; Singer, Michael C.; Farwell, D. Gregory; Stack, Brendan C.; Shindo, Maisie
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 41:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 2315
• Page End: 2323
• Publication Date: 2019-02-13
• Subjects: head and neck endocrine surgery -- opioid prescribing -- parathyroid surgery -- postoperative pain -- thyroid surgery; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.25694
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There is currently a lack of evidence‐based guidelines regarding postoperative opioids after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. This study aimed to objectively characterize contemporary postoperative pain management practices via a national survey of head and neck endocrine surgeons. Methods: A standardized electronic survey was distributed to the membership of the American Head and Neck Society's Endocrine section. Results: A total of 102 surgeons completed the survey representing a 34% response rate. In all, 65.7% of respondents utilize opioids with wide variations in the total morphine equivalents prescribed. Practice environment (χ 2 = 10.0; P = 0.04) and performing preoperative pain counseling (χ 2 = 9.7; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of prescribing postoperative opioids. Utilization of non‐opioid pain management strategies was common and significantly associated with performing outpatient surgery (χ 2 = 6.2; P = 0.013) and preoperative pain counseling (χ 2 = 4.5; P = 0.034). Conclusions: Pain management practice patterns vary significantly among head and neck endocrine surgeons which further emphasize the need for evidence‐based guidelines.