Study Identifies Medical Procedures Most Often Associated With Opioid Prescriptions in Children, Teens and Young Adults 

Opioid prescribing to children, teens and young adults is associated with increased risk of opioid misuse, overdose and other adverse events, as well as increased risk of diversion or accidental exposure among others, such as family members or friends. Among the 4 million opioid prescriptions dispensed to pediatric patients in 2019, 23% were written by surgeons, more than any other clinician type except for dentists, highlighting the importance of eliminating unnecessary or excessive surgical opioid prescribing to pediatric patients. A study, “Pediatric Surgical Opioid Prescribing by Procedure, 2020-2021,” identified the  procedures that account for the most opioids dispensed after surgery to pediatric patients, finding that among patients ages 0-11 years and 12-21, the top three procedures accounted for 59.1% and 33.1% of opioids dispensed within 3 days of discharge from surgery, respectively.  The study, published in the July 2024 Pediatrics (published June 26 online) conducted a cross-sectional analysis of commercial and Medicaid claims that included surgical procedures for patients aged 0-21 years from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2021. Among 107,597 procedures for patients ages 0-11, the top three procedures accounted for 59.1% of opioids dispensed after surgery: tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (50.3%), open treatment of upper extremity fracture (5.3%), and removal of deep implants (3.5%). Among 111,406 procedures for patients ages 12-21, the top three procedures accounted for 33.1% of opioids dispensed after surgery: tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (12.7%), knee arthroscopy (12.6%), and Cesarean section (7.8%). The authors conclude that opioid stewardship initiatives targeting these procedures may be warranted.  

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.