In a new study, researchers found that patients who already used opioids, sedatives, or antidepressants prior to colorectal surgery experience much more complications post-surgery.
The research was led by University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center.
The team examined 1,201 patients 18 years of age and older who underwent colorectal resection for any indication other than trauma at UK HealthCare.
Of these patients, roughly 30% used opioids, 28% used antidepressants and 18% used sedatives, all legally prescribed by a doctor pre-operatively.
The team found patients on any of these medications showed an increase in several common complications post-surgery, including infections, prolonged intubation, a longer length of stay, readmissions, respiratory failure, and even mortality.
These problems were particularly strong in patients who regularly used opioids prior to surgery.
The preoperative use of opioids, sedatives, and antidepressants is on the rise in the U.S. Though the current opioid crisis has raised awareness for limiting opioid use, many patients still receive opioids for pain management, and finding the right balance of medication is an ongoing issue for many patients and doctors.
Patients with anxiety disorders or other mental health issues often receive sedatives or antidepressants.
However, risk prediction models for postoperative complications do not take these common medications into consideration.
To reduce complications post-surgery, more work needs to be done to help patients reduce their need for these drugs in managing pain and anxiety prior to any major surgery.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Avinash Bhakta colorectal surgeon at the UK Markey Cancer Center.
The study is published in the Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
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