Postoperative Opioid Use and Associated Outcomes after Breast Cancer Surgery in the United States: A Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated opioid consumption and associated outcomes among breast cancer patients in the United States (US) who underwent curative surgery. A total of 11 studies involving 97,093 patients met inclusion criteria. Postoperative opioid use was common, with considerable variation in prescribing practices. Several interventions, including liposomal bupivacaine, opioid-free anesthesia, and prepectoral reconstruction, were associated with reduced opioid use, improved pain control, shorter hospital stays, and fewer opioid-related adverse events such as nausea and vomiting. Although postoperative opioid use is common among patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, implementation of alternative pain management strategies and opioid-minimizing protocols can potentially reduce opioid consumption and opioid-related adverse events while improving patient outcomes.