Overly restricting opioid use during surgery may be doing more harm than good
Because of the opioid crisis, physicians are less likely to administer opioids to help manage patients' pain, even in the operating room.
Stay updated with breaking news from Patrickl Purdon. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Because of the opioid crisis, physicians are less likely to administer opioids to help manage patients' pain, even in the operating room.
A recent analysis in JAMA Surgery that was conducted by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of Mass General Brigham, indicates that overly restricting use of opioids during surgery may be doing more harm than good.
In the past four years, the state has seen opioid overdose deaths among Black Virginians more than triple — the highest death rate, by far, of any demographic.
The numbers underscore the lethality of a fentanyl-polluted drug supply, as well as structural barriers to entering recovery — a critical first step in preventing fatal overdose.
In the past four years, Virginia has seen more than triple the Black opioid overdose deaths — the highest death rate, by far, of any demographic.