Tracking Opioid Refills After Surgery
Researchers evaluated perioperative and postdischarge factors associated with opioid refill prescriptions during the first 90 days after inpatient otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.
By
Kathryn Wighton
February 6, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Tracking Opioid Refills After Surgery
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Postoperative opioid management Key Mechanisms Mismatch between discharge opioid daily doses and inpatient opioid use increases refill risk. Target Population Adult patients undergoing inpatient otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Care Setting Academic medical center
Key Highlights
25.3% of patients received an opioid refill within 30 days of discharge. Discharge opioid underprescription and overprescription both associated with higher refill risk. Preoperative opioid, benzodiazepine, and cannabis use linked to increased refill rates. Higher postoperative pain scores correlated with refills within 30 days. Receipt of a prior refill was the strongest predictor of subsequent refills. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess discharge opioid prescribing patterns as matched, overprescribed, or underprescribed. Management
Align discharge opioid prescriptions with inpatient opioid consumption to reduce refills. Monitoring & Follow-up
Track opioid refill rates at 1-30, 31-60, and 61-90 days postdischarge. Risks
Consider preoperative medication use and postoperative pain scores as risk factors for refills. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adult patients with a postoperative stay of at least 24 hours.
Standardize discharge opioid doses to oral morphine equivalents based on inpatient use.
Clinical Best Practices
Evaluate and adjust discharge opioid prescriptions based on individual patient needs. Monitor patients with a history of opioid use closely for refill needs. Educate patients on the importance of adhering to prescribed opioid regimens. Related Resources & Content
