LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Opioid overdose is now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Over prescription of opioids is one factor contributing to this epidemic. Previous studies demonstrated an over prescription of opioids, compared to patient consumption, following general surgery procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate opioid consumption following carotid revascularization. METHODS This is a retrospective review of the opioid prescribing habits following discharge of carotid revascularization. Patients who were documented to receive an opioid prescription were included in the study. A phone survey was conducted to determine patient consumption of the prescribed pills. Surgical procedures include carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR). The primary outcome is the difference between opioids prescribed and opioids consumed. RESULTS There were 209 patients available for inclusion. The mean age was 68 years with white (98%) males (58%) making up most patients. CEA and TCAR accounted for 75% and 25% of cases, respectively. 98 (47%) patients were prescribed opioids following discharge. 8 were excluded from analysis (3 for prior opioid use, 5 declined participation). 71% of patients participated in the survey. A total of 1623 pills were prescribed (25.4 ±5.5 per patient), but only 336 pills consumed (5.3 ±1.1 per patient). 1287 (79% of total) pills were not consumed. CONCLUSION These data are the first to compare opioid prescription with opioid consumption following carotid revascularization. We demonstrate that patients consume much less opioids than prescribed. These findings indicate that a reduction in opioid prescriptions may be possible following carotid revascularization.