Initially, the surgery center planned to reduce intraoperative opioid use, but the ASC’s medical director Lynn Martin, MD, an anesthesiologist, decided to remove them completely.
“Nothing earth-shattering happened,” according to Dr. Martin, who said patients actually saw some advantages, including waking up faster post-surgery as well as less nausea and vomiting.
The ASC used a combination of other drugs, without morphine or other opioids, for children undergoing tonsillectomies, hernia surgeries and procedures for sports injuries.
Now, following the surgery center’s success, the main hospital is reducing intraoperative opioids during major surgeries, which has led to shorter stays and decreases the risk of addiction for young patients, according to the report.
“I think it is a very positive step,” Rosemary Orr, MD, an anesthesiologist at Seattle Children’s told KIRO 7 News. “Anything that reduces the amount of available opioids in the community is going to change things.”
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.