Effect of alcohol

Potential surgical complications from alcohol use

What are the potential surgical complications for those who might be drinking alcohol in the days or weeks prior to surgery? Dr. Leslie Martin answers that question in this 3-minute video. 

 

If you want to learn more about the potential surgical and post-operative risks associated with alcohol consumption and how to safely reduce alcohol use, watch the full-length video.

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References

  1. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Scheduled for surgery? Say no to alcohol. (2019 Jun 27). Accessed September 10, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2019/06/27/scheduled-for-surgery-say-no-to-alcohol
  2. Egholm JWM, Pedersen B, Møller AM, Adami J, Juhl CB, Tønnesen H. Perioperative alcohol cessation intervention for postoperative complications. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;(11).
  3. Tønnesen H. Alcohol abuse and postoperative morbidity. Dan Med Bull. 2003; 50(2):139–160.
  4. Butt P, Beirness D, Gliksman L, Paradis C, Stockwell T. (2011). Alcohol and health in Canada: A summary of evidence and guidelines for low-risk drinking. Ottawa. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
  5. Tønnesen H, Kehlet H. Preoperative alcoholism and postoperative morbidity. Br J Surg. 1999; 86(7):869–874.
  6. Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health. (2019). Canadian Guidelines on Alcohol Use Disorder Among Older Adults. Toronto.
  7. Azam H, Shahrestani S, Phan K. Alcohol use disorders before and after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Transl Med. 2018;6(8):148.
  8. Borges J, Moreira J, Pereira L, Santos A, Abelha F. Effects of alcohol consumption in quality of life after surgery and anaesthesia. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2014; 31.
  9. Chapman R, Plaat F. Alcohol and anaesthesia. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2009;9(1):10-13.
  10. Elliott DY. Caring for hospitalized patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Nursing2020 Crit Care. 2019;14(5).
  11. Government of Canada. Low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines. (2021 Jul 5). Accessed November 1, 2021. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol/low-risk-alcohol-drinking-guidelines.html

Acknowledgements

This work was supported through the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and funds provided by the Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).