Addressing the Opioid Crisis: 2018 Pediatric Surgery Practice Gap #1

The first recommendation is to reduce the total amount of opioids prescribed.

Studies show that opioids are not needed for incision and drainages or for breast biopsies.

The second recommendation is to use non-opioid analgesics, which work really well in kids.

Tylenol plus NSAIDs like Motrin are equally as effective as narcotics in children.

The third recommendation is to use non-pharmacological approaches including heat or warmth, meditation, and deep breathing, which significantly reduce pain.

The fourth recommendation is to educate patients on the disposal of unused drugs.

Unused opioid drugs are staying at home and being found by kids or other family members, contributing to the opioid epidemic.

Pediatric surgeons can contribute to identifying practice gaps by emailing think@apsa.org.

Worldwide participation in identifying practice gaps and education efforts will lead to drastic change.