APP Master Sessions-Low Dose Steroid Use (Medrol Dose Pack) after Lumbar Laminectomy and/or Discectomy Surgery to Decrease Post

Low Dose Steroid Use (Medrol Dose Pack) after Lumbar Laminectomy and/or Discectomy Surgery to Decrease Post_Operative Pain and Narcotic Use.

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Brendan McShane of the University of Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania Hospital presents their research on the use of a low-dose steroid after lumbar laminectomy or discectomy surgery to reduce post-operative pain and narcotic use. Low back pain and sciatica are increasingly significant causes of disability worldwide, and surgeries for these conditions often result in significant pain. Opioids are typically used for pain control, but due to concerns of over-prescription, alternative methods are being evaluated. The study looked at the relationship between taking a low-dose oral steroid and its effects on pain and opioid use. The researchers hypothesized that the steroid would reduce inflammation and subsequently lower pain and opioid use. 140 patients were enrolled and divided into a steroid and non-steroid group. Results showed that the steroid group reported less pain after discharge, but there was no significant difference in opioid use between the two groups. The study suggests that patient opioid consumption is influenced by various factors, not just pain. The researchers recommend further studies to determine the impact of prescribing practices on opioid use and whether the steroid aids in faster recovery.

Asset Caption

Brendan McShane

Keywords

low-dose steroid

lumbar laminectomy

discectomy surgery

post-operative pain

narcotic use