Neue klinische Leitlinien reduzieren die Verschreibung von Opioiden nach Ohroperationen erheblich

A recent retrospective study published in OTO opened, the open-access journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), reveals a significant and lasting impact of the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on opioid prescribing for analgesia after common otolaryngology procedures, including parotidectomy, a surgical operation to remove the parotid gland.

This study analyzed anonymized data from over 25,000 patients across 80 healthcare organizations in the United States utilizing the TriNetX database, covering the period from January 2013 to December 2023. Researchers found that following the CPG’s release in April 2021, there was an immediate and marked decline in opioid prescriptions during the postoperative phase, with this trend continuing over time.

„This study emphasizes the importance of clinical practice guidelines and their influence on prescribing patterns,“

Viran J. Ranasinghe, MD, lead author, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas

Presented at the AAO-HNSF annual meeting in 2025, along with the OTO EXPO from October 11 to 14 in Indianapolis, Indiana, this research signifies a noteworthy shift towards a multimodal, non-opioid-centered approach to postoperative pain management as endorsed by the CPG.

About the AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Procedures

This CPG was developed to reduce variability in postoperative pain management within the specialty and to mitigate the risks associated with opioid overprescription, including opioid use disorder (OUD), diversion, and overdose. Key recommendations from the guideline include:

• Advocating for non-opioid medications as the first-line treatment for pain following otolaryngological procedures
• Screening patients for OUD risk factors preoperatively if opioids are anticipated
• Educating patients on the safe storage and disposal of unused opioids

The guideline further emphasizes shared decision-making, multimodal analgesia strategies, and patient education, providing a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the risk of opioid dependence while maintaining effective pain control.