This systematic review, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in November 2018, evaluates the impact of perioperative alcohol cessation interventions on postoperative complications among individuals with risky alcohol consumption. The authors define ‘risky drinking’ as consuming more than three alcoholic units (AU) per day or 21 AU per week, with one AU containing 12 grams of ethanol. Such consumption levels are associated with increased postoperative complications, including infections, cardiopulmonary issues, and bleeding episodes.
Conclusion:
Implementing intensive perioperative alcohol cessation programs can effectively reduce postoperative complications and promote short-term abstinence in individuals with risky drinking behaviors. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to assess long-term outcomes and mortality effects.
Read more: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6517044/
Published on April 1, 2025
