Abstract
BackgroundPostoperative complications occur frequently, despite progress in anesthetic pharmacology and surgical techniques. Although habits, such as alcohol and tobacco use, and mental health have been studied individually as modifying factors, few studies have examined the relationship between multiple lifestyle choices and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the associations between unhealthy lifestyle choices and postoperative complications.MethodsWe included 730 patients who underwent surgery in our department between March 2015 and April 2016. Participants completed preoperative questionnaires, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and tests for psychological stress (6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Multivariable logistic analysis was used to analyze the association of preoperative drug dependence and psychological stress with postoperative complications.ResultsOf the 721 cases analyzed, 461 (64%) were women. The median age of patients was 62 years (interquartile range: 48–71). At the time of surgical decision-making, 429 out of 710 respondents (60%) had a drinking habit, and 144 out of 693 respondents (21%) had a smoking habit during the preceding year. Seventy-nine patients had developed complications. Multivariable analysis revealed that old age (p = 0.020), psychological stress (p = 0.041), and longer anesthesia time (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Drinking or smoking variables were not associated with postoperative complications.ConclusionsPreoperative psychological stress, as evaluated with the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, is associated with the risk of postoperative complications.
Highlights
Postoperative complications occur frequently, despite progress in anesthetic pharmacology and surgical techniques
This study assessed the effects of preoperative alcohol and tobacco use, and psychological stress on postoperative complications
The duration of postoperative hospitalization was longer in patients with postoperative complications than those without complications (p < 0.001)
Summary
Postoperative complications occur frequently, despite progress in anesthetic pharmacology and surgical techniques. Habits, such as alcohol and tobacco use, and mental health have been studied individually as modifying factors, few studies have examined the relationship between multiple lifestyle choices and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery. Despite advances in surgical procedures and anesthetic pharmacology, postoperative mortality rates of 0.5–4.0%, mostly attributed to postoperative complications, have. Unhealthy lifestyle factors frequently cluster in the same individual and multimodal interventions for modifiable risk factors are warranted to enhance resilience in the time-pressured preoperative window [10, 11]. This study assessed the effects of preoperative alcohol and tobacco use, and psychological stress on postoperative complications Predicting the susceptibility of individuals to postoperative complications and assessing the impact of smoking, alcohol, psychological stress, and their interactions on postoperative complications is important to prevent postoperative mortality.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
