Opioid-tolerant patients are susceptible to a host of perioperative com-
plications, which create challenges for outpatient facilities and
providers.
Do your part
We'll end with a few sobering facts. More young people are dying
from opioid overdoses than any other accidental cause of death.
Every day, opioids take more lives than HIV did during the 1980s. Risk
factors for persistent post-op opioid use are independent from the
type of surgery that's performed. By limiting opioid use today, you're
investing in the health of your community and in the long-term viabili-
ty of your facility.
OSM
Dr. Dickerson (ddickerson@dacc.uchicago.edu) is an assistant professor of
anesthesia and critical care, and director of the acute pain service at
University of Chicago (Ill.) Medicine.
On Point
OP
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