PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to cut down on the use of opioids in medical care. Part of the strategy is to increase the number of studies looking at opioids.
According to research at the University of Pennsylvania, younger patients who have never taken opioid pain medications in the past are less likely to require or want them after many common surgeries.
The study also found that it is essential for physicians and their surgical teams to take time to have conversations with patients about the risk of opioids, as well as other options.
The researchers also looked at 30 common surgical procedures and identified the degree of pain that can be expected in the recovery period.
The goal? Cut down on the use of opioids.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.