Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use in Urogynecology Patients

Opioid use disorder remains a leading national cause of mortality. Physician opioid prescribing contributes to this crisis. In urogynecology, most of these prescriptions are aimed at addressing postoperative pain. This expert review examines the factors that contribute to postoperative pain and opioid use in urogynecologic patients. We discuss patient characteristics, physician interventions and alternative therapies that may influence postoperative pain and opioid use. By identifying patients at higher risk for postoperative pain and opioid use and utilizing evidence-based strategies to mitigate postoperative pain, physicians caring for urogynecology patients can both reduce postoperative opioid use while still providing adequate patient pain control.