Low risk of developing chronic opioid use following surgery, but transitional pain service needed

Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital (ON, Canada) have measured rates of opioid use in patients up to a year after receiving major surgery. Opioids are routinely used after major surgery to treat postoperative pain; however, there are limited data concerning individuals developing persistent opioid use. This new study indicates that the risk of chronic opioid use in opioid-inaive patients is low; however, better risk identification and long-term support is needed. A team from Toronto Western Hospital (ON, USA) has demonstrated that patients who have not had an opioid prescription within a year prior to a major elective surgical procedure are...