Perioperative Opioid Use in Urogynecologic Mesh Removal
Importance
Forty percent of patients with urogynecologic mesh pain complications are taking narcotics.
Objectives
We aimed to compare comorbidities and pain scores between patients with and without narcotic use and assess postoperative narcotic use rates.
Study Design
This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing urogynecologic mesh removal. Patients with mesh removal for pain within 7 years were included due to data availability. Narcotic prescriptions were verified using the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Pain scores were assessed at baseline and 6–24 months postoperatively.
Results
Of 139 patients, 30 (21.6%) filled narcotic prescriptions within 3 months preceding surgery. These patients were younger and more likely to have a chronic pain condition. Narcotic use did not differ by sling versus prolapse mesh, or presence of exposure. Patients taking preoperative narcotics had a 27-point higher median baseline visual analog scale pelvic pain score (
Conclusions
In patients with mesh-related pain, those with chronic pain conditions had much higher odds of taking preoperative narcotics, and in most, mesh removal did not eliminate narcotic use. Counseling is warranted in patients with chronic pain conditions that pain and narcotic use are likely to persist after removal.
