Affiliation:
1. Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis
2. Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis
Abstract
Purpose:
This commentary outlines the surgical pathway for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), identifies risks associated with opioid prescribing in this patient population, and summarizes strategies to safely minimize the need for perioperative opioid prescribing.
Conclusions:
Patients with orofacial clefts, CLP, undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries. The long-term effects of perioperative opioid prescriptions should concern all members of the cleft and craniofacial team. The amount of surgery each patient with a CLP may face varies by patient and can begin in infancy and continue to adulthood. In this commentary, the surgical pathway for CLP is reviewed, and the opioid crisis is addressed in regard to this vulnerable patient group. Solutions for cleft and craniofacial team members from evidence-based literature are summarized to minimize the use of opioids prescribed in this patient population. Approaches to reduce opioid use after CLP surgery are holistic and multidisciplinary.
Publisher
American Speech Language Hearing Association