6 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Don't think your pain control regimens have much impact on the
opioid abuse epidemic that's currently gripping the nation?
Consider that a recent survey of 200 orthopedic surgeons and 500
of their patients revealed 91% of the surgeons felt pressured to
prescribe opioids in order to keep patients happy. That 80% of the
patients were concerned about the risk of opioid abuse, but less
than one-fourth discussed non-opioid alternatives with their sur-
geons before undergoing surgery. Also consider that a recent
study of health insurance claims showed that patients undergoing
11 of the most common types of surgery were at an increased
risk of becoming chronic users of opioids, according to TJ Gan,
MD, MHS, FRCA, professor and chairman of the department of
anesthesiology at Stony Brook (N.Y.) University.
Weren't aware of those troubling findings? You're not alone.
"The problem," says Dr. Gan, "is that
most surgeons and anesthesia
providers are unaware of the
opioid abuse epidemic that is
impacting countless communi-
ties in all."
An American dies every 19 min-
utes from opioid or heroin over-
dose, according to Dr. Gan. "The
brain becomes less responsive to
opioids and requires ever-increasing
• GROWING CONCERN Dr. TJ Gan says many providers are unaware of
the risk of addiction to post-surgery pain medications.
PROLONGED USE OF PAIN MEDICATION
Are We Fueling America's Opioid Crisis?
