Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Enhancing Recovery Protocols Significantly Reduces Long-Term Opioid Use After Colorectal Surgery

Enhancing Recovery Protocols Significantly Reduces Long-Term Opioid Use After Colorectal Surgery

Share this article

Implementing enhanced recovery protocols in colorectal surgery significantly reduces long-term opioid dependency, improving patient outcomes and addressing opioid misuse.

2 min read

Recent research conducted by investigators at Mass General Brigham highlights the positive impact of improved patient recovery strategies on reducing long-term opioid dependency following colorectal surgeries. The study, which analyzed data from multiple centers, found that as hospitals adopted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols—focused on minimizing narcotic use during and after surgery—the number of patients continuing to use opioids six months and beyond decreased notably.

The retrospective, multicenter study included 1,363 patients undergoing elective colon or rectal surgeries who were opioid-naïve before their procedures. Results showed a clear trend: with the implementation of progressive ERAS protocols, the proportion of patients still on opioids six months post-operation dropped from 16% in 2017–2018 to just 11% in 2019–2020. Similarly, long-term opioid use after 12 months decreased from 11% to only 4% in the same period. A subsequent cohort study in 2023–2024 revealed that only one patient out of 445 remained on opioids three months after surgery.

Key strategies underpinning these improvements included reducing the use of long-acting narcotics during anesthesia, utilizing intravenous non-narcotic medications such as acetaminophen for pain management, and standardizing opioid prescriptions at discharge. These measures aimed to strike a balance between effective pain control and preventing opioid dependency.

The study emphasizes that high inpatient opioid use can foster persistent narcotic dependence, even among individuals without prior drug abuse history. By refining recovery pathways, hospitals can substantially lower the risk of long-term opioid use, contributing to better postoperative outcomes and addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. This research underscores the importance of institutional collaboration and continuous protocol enhancements to improve patient care.

For more information, the full study is published in the Journal of Surgical Research: DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2025.04.019.

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Could a Mediterranean Plant Extract Support Treatment for IBD?

Discover how strawberry tree extract, a Mediterranean plant, shows promise in preventing and treating ulcerative colitis through natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, based on new research findings.

The Role of Education and Social Factors in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

Emerging research emphasizes the critical role of social determinants like income and education in shaping outcomes for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Findings from the EULAR 2025 congress reveal how these factors influence disease progression and mortality, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote health equity.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Gut Brain: New Insights into Gastrointestinal Disorders

New research reveals the complex neural networks in the gut's submucosal layer, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD. Understanding these nerve cells may lead to innovative treatments for gut health issues.

Prolonged Wet Cough in Children Could Indicate Bacterial Infection Requiring Treatment, Study Finds

Persistent wet coughs in children may signal bacterial infections that require medical attention to prevent long-term lung damage, new research suggests.