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BackTable / OBGYN / Podcast / Episode #67
Non-Opiod Pain Management in GYN Surgery
with Dr. Paula Bilica and Dr. Steven McCarus
Everyone knows about the dangers of opioids, but how can physicians provide quality postoperative pain control without opioids? This episode of the BackTable OBGYN podcast, hosted by Dr. Amy Park, features a discussion with experts Dr. Steven McCarus and Dr. Paula Bilica on non-opioid pain control in obstetric and gynecologic surgery.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2024, October 15). Ep. 67 – Non-Opiod Pain Management in GYN Surgery [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Paula Bilica
Dr. Paula Bilica is an OBGYN in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Steven McCarus
Dr. Steven McCarus is a gynecologic surgeon in WInter Park, Florida.
Dr. Amy Park
Dr. Amy Park is the Section Head of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, and a co-host of the BackTable OBGYN Podcast.
Synopsis
Highlighting the use of Exparel, a liposomal bupivacaine formulation, the discussion addresses how it has transformed post-operative pain management by reducing opioid exposure. The episode covers techniques for Exparel application in surgeries such as hysterectomies and C-sections, with positive patient outcomes noted. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals to advocate for better pain management protocols and patient satisfaction, spotlighting upcoming initiatives like the No Pain Act.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
04:47 - Introduction to Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel)
07:10 - Techniques and Applications of Exparel
20:13 - The No Pain Act
25:07 - Patient Success Stories with Exparel
26:30 - Administrative Hurdles and Solutions
30:24 - Safety and Efficacy of Exparel
32:42 - Educating Staff and Implementing Protocols
38:05 - Final Thoughts
Transcript Preview
[Dr. Steve McCarus]
I think women's health gets the short end of the stick a lot because Exparel was used already in colorectal at my hospital and general surgery at my hospital. They were pushing back on the OBGYNs to use it. It really took a champion, somebody to speak up to pharmacy, because it comes out of the pharmacy's budget. Pharmacy, all they care about is their budget. We went to administration. We said, listen, women receive I think it was 65% of all opioid prescriptions in this country.
Think about women's exposure to surgery early in reproductive years. Somebody has an ovarian cyst or a miscarriage or an ectopic or whatever. They have surgery in their 20s and 40% of women are more likely to be persistent opioid users because of surgery, right? Surgery is painful and you've got to cover that. We really looked at women's health and looked at issues around surgery. I think it's one in every 15 people you operate on become chronic opioid users. There's 115 deaths every year in this country from opioid overdose. It's a gateway to other drugs.
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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