Understanding how stopping medications for opioid use disorder after surgery affects recovery.

The Impact of Discontinuing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder After Surgery: Evaluating Predictors and Outcomes to Guide Perioperative Care

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11138209

This study looks at what happens when people with opioid use disorder stop their medication after having surgery, and it aims to find out why this happens and how it affects their recovery, so we can help doctors better support these patients during and after their operations.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138209 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of discontinuing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in patients who undergo surgery. It aims to identify the factors that lead to patients stopping their MOUD after surgical procedures and how this discontinuation impacts their recovery and overall health. By analyzing data from surgical patients with opioid use disorder, the study seeks to develop a risk calculator to predict who is likely to stop their medication and the potential adverse outcomes that may follow. The goal is to create better guidelines for managing these patients during the perioperative period.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who are scheduled to undergo surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved care strategies that help patients with opioid use disorder maintain their treatment during and after surgery, reducing the risk of relapse and other negative health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maintaining medications for opioid use disorder during stressful events can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.