Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · May 2018
ReviewOpioid Stewardship in Otolaryngology: State of the Art Review.
Objective The United States is facing an epidemic of opioid addiction. Deaths from opioid overdose have quadrupled in the past 15 years and now surpass annual deaths during the height of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic. There is a link between opioid prescriptions after surgery, opioid misuse, opioid diversion, and use of other drugs of abuse. ⋯ Implications for Practice Otolaryngologists need to acknowledge the potential harm that opioids cause. It is essential that we evaluate our practices to ensure that opioids are used responsibly. Furthermore, opioid stewardship should become a priority in otolaryngology.