An individualised tapering protocol reduces opioid use 1 year after spine surgery: A randomised controlled trial of patients with preoperative opioid use.

研究概要

One hundred and ten patients with preoperative opioid use undergoing elective spine surgery for degenerative disease were randomized to receive an individualised tapering protocol with telephone counselling 1 week post-discharge (n=55) or standard care with no tapering plan or follow-up (n=55). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who successfully tapered opioids to zero at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included failure to taper to preoperative doses, pain intensity levels, and reasons for continued opioid use. Outcomes were assessed 1 year after discharge. Overall, the results of the study revealed that 81% of patients in the intervention group were opioid-free at 1 year versus 61% in the control group, with no significant difference in pain levels. These findings suggest that an individualised tapering plan combined with telephone counselling can significantly reduce long-term opioid use without worsening pain.