Design: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for benign gynecologic indications from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2023 at a single academic institution. The average morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed following each surgery was calculated and then classified by age, race, ethnicity, BMI, type of insurance, and zip code. Multivariate linear regression was used to compare MME among groups.

Setting: N/A

Patients or Participants: We identified 1245 patients who met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.

Interventions: N/A

Measurements and Main Results: Case characteristics were similar between all groups. There were no differences in MME across age groups. Regarding race, white patients were discharged with significantly higher doses of opioids when compared with non-white patients (p<0.01). Patients who lived within lower socio-economic status zip codes were discharged with lower doses of opiates (p<0.05). Patients with private insurance were prescribed the largest MME upon discharge, followed by Medicaid and lastly Medicare (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Several studies published in the obstetric and pediatric post-operative populations have found disparities in post-operative pain management in non-white patients and patients of lower socio-economic status. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study of this kind has been performed in post-operative patients who have undergone laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic indications. Our results indicate that disparities exist in post-operative pain management and opiate prescription practices at our institution. These findings could influence future management and prescribing habits in providers to help improve these disparities in our population. This study also highlights the importance of establishing more uniform, evidence-based guidelines for postoperative pain management.