The impact of reducing opioid unit dose quantities on perioperative utilization and pain scores for laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

This study suggests that by supplying anesthesia providers with smaller quantities of opioid pain medication for use during surgery less pain medication is used both during and after surgery without a resultant increase in a patient's pain score or the amount of time they need to stay in the postoperative recovery area. As a result, some of the negative side effects associated with opioid pain medications may be diminished.