Effect of opioid-related adverse events on outcomes in selected surgical patients.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study utilized a large, national hospital database to assess the impact of opioid-related adverse events (ORADE) on patient outcomes following selected surgical procedures known to require postoperative pain control.

METHODS: Outcomes of patients with administratively documented ORADE were compared to those without. Multivariate regression determined differences in hospital costs; length of stay (LOS); odds of individuals being an outlier in total cost and LOS; and having a 30-day all-cause readmission.

RESULTS: Among 319,898 surgeries of interest, 12.2% of patients experienced an ORADE. Patients had higher adjusted mean costs ($22,077 [95% CI 21,823-22,333] vs. $17,370 [95% CI 17,238-17,503]; p < 0.0001) and greater LOS (7.6 [95% CI 7.5-7.6] vs. 4.2 days [95% CI 4.2-4.2]; p <0.0001). Adjusted odds of being a total cost and LOS outlier were 2.8 (95% CI 2.7-2.8) and 3.2 (95% CI 3.1-3.3) times greater in the ORADE group. These patients were more likely to be readmitted (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients exhibiting a documented ORADE had greater overall costs, longer hospitalizations, and increased likelihood for readmission. These results highlight the economic impact associated with opioid use for postsurgical pain management.