Cannabis and Surgery

By Sechat Editorial Team with information from El Planteo

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A study indicates that excessive cannabis use can increase risks during surgery, according to research published in the JAMA Surgery journal. Researchers from the University of Texas in Houston found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are more likely to face complications during the perioperative period.

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Cannabis use disorder is characterized by continuous substance consumption despite negative experiences and withdrawal symptoms, similar to those observed with nicotine. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and sleep problems.

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The study, conducted by the university's McGovern Medical School, confirms previous research that also pointed to a variety of postoperative symptoms in cannabis users. Some studies indicated that:

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• Adults who use cannabis experience higher postoperative pain rather than lower.
• Cannabis users have a higher risk of amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery.
• Marijuana consumers may require additional doses of anesthesia, emphasizing the importance of informing doctors about substance use before any surgical procedure.
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The study, mentioned by CNN Health, analyzed a sample of 12,422 patients who underwent non-cardiac major elective surgeries between 2016 and 2019, using a national inpatient database.

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After significant surgery, individuals with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience stroke, blood clot formation, kidney problems, respiratory failure, and even death.

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Although the risk difference is small, with 7.73% for those with the disorder compared to 6.57% for patients without the disorder, the authors highlighted its relevance.

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Three in ten users develop a clinically significant disorder related to cannabis use and have higher hospital bills than those without the disorder, although the length of hospital stay is similar.

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The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids may contribute to increased risk of complications in the perioperative period, such as bronchial hyperresponsiveness, cannabis withdrawal syndrome, immunosuppression, and drug interactions during surgery, the researchers stated.

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Doctors should assess patients' cannabis use before surgical procedures, advised the study authors.