Wittbrodt ET, et al. - Considering the observation that opioid analgesics can exacerbate constipation, which is a well-known complication of surgery, researchers sought for the resource utilization and costs associated with opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Adults ≥18 years of age undergoing total hip or total knee replacement as inpatients who received an opioid analgesic and were discharged between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015, were analyzed in this retrospective, observational, and propensity-matched cohort study. Findings revealed that these patients display greater resource utilization and hospital costs in association with OIC. Results thereby support that perioperative care management should include OIC screening and management strategies.