Discharge Prescribing Protocol Decreases Opioids in Circulation and Does Not Increase Refills After Colorectal Surgery.

Background: Up to 10% of patients develop new, persistent opioid use after surgery. We aimed to assess our prescribing practices and patient utilization of opioids after colorectal surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to implement an opioid-prescribing protocol that will minimize the number of postoperative opioids to decrease community circulation and persistent use by patients.