Michigan surgical patients only take about one-quarter of their opioid prescriptions, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery.
Here are three things to know:
1. For the study, researchers analyzed 2,392 surgeries from 33 Michigan hospitals between January 2017 and September 2017, according to Detroit Free Press. The authors note this study was conducted before Michigan's new opioid prescription law was signed.
2. Researchers found, on average, patients took only 27 percent of their prescribed opioids, and patients took more opioids when a larger quantity was prescribed. Patients who use tobacco were more likely to take opioids, while older patients took fewer prescription opioids.
3. Hernia repair patients tended to take the most opioids, regardless of whether the surgery was open or minimally invasive. Appendix or thyroid removal patients took the least amount of prescription opioids.
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