Opioid use can become long-term following surgery

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A thesis by Claes Gedda at Karolinska Institutet examines how often patients in Sweden continue using opioids after surgery, who is at greatest risk, and whether use can be reduced. The article highlights the risks of prolonged opioid use, including dependence and overdose.

Opioids are effective medicines for severe pain following surgery, but prolonged use is associated with risks such as dependence and overdose. In his thesis, Claes Gedda at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, investigated how common it is for patients in Sweden to continue using opioids after surgery, which patients are at higher risk, and whether usage following major surgery can be reduced.