Evaluating Routine Opioid Compared With Nonopioid Prescribing After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Obstet GynecolJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Marie-Claire Leaf, Julia Wainger, Anja Frost et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated nonopioid versus opioid prescribing for postoperative pain management in adults undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions. The study found that nonopioid regimens were noninferior to opioids regarding pain scores on postoperative days 1 and 7, with mean scores of 4.0 vs 5.0 and 2.1 vs 3.1, respectively.
Key findings
- Mean pain scores on postoperative day 1 were 4.0 in the nonopioid group and 5.0 in the opioid group.
- On postoperative day 7, mean pain scores were 2.1 for nonopioid and 3.1 for opioid groups.
- Satisfaction with pain control was high in both nonopioid and opioid groups.
- Median oxycodone consumption by postoperative day 7 was 1 tablet in the opioid group and 0 in the nonopioid group.
Why it matters
This study supports the use of nonopioid pain management strategies, which can effectively control pain while reducing reliance on opioids, addressing concerns about opioid use and potential addiction.