D.R Sharbaugh

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

D.R. Sharbaugh is a surgical outcomes researcher whose work focuses on optimizing perioperative care, particularly in urologic oncology. Their most impactful study, "Discharge Opioids are Unnecessary Following Radical Cystectomy" (2022), challenges routine opioid prescribing after major bladder cancer surgery, demonstrating that non-opioid pain management strategies can be safely implemented without compromising patient recovery. This paper, with 4 citations, contributes to the growing movement toward opioid-sparing protocols in high-risk surgical populations. Sharbaugh’s research sits at the intersection of evidence-based surgery, pain management, and quality improvement, aiming to reduce unnecessary medication exposure while maintaining patient comfort. Their work is especially relevant in the context of the opioid epidemic, offering practical, data-driven guidance for clinicians. By questioning long-standing prescribing habits, Sharbaugh advances a more cautious, patient-centered approach to postoperative care. For students and researchers in urology, surgical oncology, or health services research, Sharbaugh’s contributions highlight how small, targeted studies can drive meaningful changes in clinical practice and patient safety.