Six percent of opioid-naïve patients develop opioid dependence post-operatively. We implemented a protocol in our renal transplant recipients that eliminated opioid patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and included a multi-modal non-opioid regimen. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PCA elimination on opioid requirements at discharge in renal transplant recipients.

We reviewed adult renal transplant recipients for the three months prior to, and following, the protocol’s implementation. Patients with an intra-abdominal transplant, pancreas-renal transplant, or chronic pain were excluded. The number of opioid pills prescribed on the day prior to discharge were categorized as A) 0, B) 1–3, and C)  4. Discharge opioid prescriptions were then evaluated based on a recent recommendation that group A receive 0 pills, group B 15 pills, and group C 30 pills, to satisfy the outpatient pain needs of 85% of patients. Pre- and post-intervention metrics were compared using independent t-tests and Chi squared tests.

150 recipients were included (79 pre-intervention, 71 post; 51% male). PCA use decreased significantly (81% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001). Post-intervention, gabapentin, topical lidocaine, and acetaminophen increased significantly (6.3%–69%, p < 0.001, 5.1%–66.2%, p < 0.001, 73.4%–93% respectively, p = 0.003.) PCA use did not impact the amount of opioids prescribed at discharge (median 75 OMEs in both groups). Of patients requiring no opioids on the day prior to discharge regardless of PCA use, 51.5% of pre- and 35.5% of post- were prescribed excess opioids at discharge. Of patients prescribed 1–3 pills on the day prior to discharge regardless of PCA use, 24.2% of pre- and 25.8% of post patients were prescribed excessive opioids at discharge.

A multidisciplinary approach to developing an opioid-reducing protocol significantly decreased the use of PCAs and increased the use of non-opioid adjunct medications in renal transplant recipients. Patients continued to be prescribed excess opioids at discharge compared to inpatient opioid use the day prior to discharge. Ongoing communication with all providers caring for renal transplant recipients and protocolization of the different stages of a patient’s post-operative hospitalization are crucial.

Opioid dependence after renal transplantation is associated with an increased risk of graft loss and death. We implemented a protocol in renal transplant recipients that eliminated routine opioid patient-controlled analgesia and included non-opioid adjuncts. This protocol increased the use of non-opioid adjuncts but did not significantly decrease the amount of opioids prescribed at discharge. Most patients were still prescribed opioids at discharge in excess of what they required immediately prior to discharge.