Perioperative Opioid and Postoperative Outcomes: Study on Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Repair Surgery at Military Hospitals in Jordan

Author(s): Naser Fuad Shari MD, Nizar Ahmad Abu Alannaz MD, Mahdi Saleh Jaradat MD, Murad nader jwinate MD, Laith Mohammad Al Hseinat MD, Mais Ali Mohammed alqoudah MD, Mohanned hasan Alarmouty MD, Mohammad Ali Al- Dweeri MD

This retrospective observational study investigated the impact of perioperative opioid use on postoperative outcomes in a cohort of 419 patients who underwent hip fracture procedures. The study aimed to assess the association between perioperative opioid use and hospital stay duration, ICU readmission rates, thromboembolic complications, and the need for revision surgery. The results of the independent samples t-test revealed significantly shorter hospital stays in patients with perioperative opioid use (P < 0.05). Additionally, perioperative opioid use was independently associated with reduced hospital stay (coefficient estimate = -0.656, 95% CI -1.217 – -0.096, P = 0.022). Moreover, patients who received perioperative opioids had significantly fewer ICU readmissions within a month after surgery (p = 0.024). On the other hand, chi-square tests did not show any significant difference between perioperative opioid use and thromboembolic complications (p = 0.759), death within a year after surgery (p = 0.089), or the need for revision surgery (p = 0.336). Having a cardiovascular disease is an independent risk factor for hospital readmission within a month (OR = 1.509, 95% CI 1.026–2.220, p = 0.037). The findings indicate that perioperative opioid use may not have a substantial impact on postoperative death, thromboembolic complications (DVT/PE), or revision surgery. However, there appears to be a significant association with ICU readmission rates and hospital stay duration, warranting further investigation and consideration in clinical decision-making. While the results shed light on the relationship between perioperative opioid use and postoperative outcomes, the study acknowledges limitations related to its retrospective design. Future prospective research is needed to explore causality and address potential confounding factors. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on perioperative opioid use and its implications for surgical recovery, offering valuable insights for healthcare practitioners to optimize patient care and enhance surgical outcomes.