A Comprehensive Review of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone in Postoperative Chronic Pain Management: Efficacy, Safety, and Emerging Perspectives

Chronic postoperative pain (CPOP) is a common and serious problem for many patients
after surgery. Even with pain relievers and various pain management plans, many still
suffer from moderate to severe pain, which hinders recovery and affects their quality of
life. This review looks at how well oxycodone and hydrocodone work, their safety, and
outcomes for patients in managing chronic postoperative pain. We conducted a thorough
search of literature in databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus,
PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. We included studies on adult surgical patients
with postoperative pain lasting more than three months. The review examined results
related to pain relief, side effects, and addiction risks. Both oxycodone and hydrocodone
were effective for managing acute postoperative pain; however, oxycodone proved to
be more effective for chronic and severe cases. The side effects of both opioids were
similar, but each came with a significant risk of dependence and misuse. Using a mix of
opioids and non-opioid medications resulted in better outcomes and less opioid use. The
findings highlight the need for tailored treatment plans, the inclusion of non-drug
strategies, and ongoing monitoring to improve postoperative pain management. Future
studies should investigate long-term effectiveness, genetic factors impacting opioid
response, and new drug delivery methods to fill current gaps in care.