A groundbreaking study conducted by a team of anesthesiologists from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, has revealed a link between different patterns of cannabis use by patients and their recovery after surgery. This unique study, the first of its kind, aimed to investigate how cannabis use affects postoperative outcomes.
With the relaxation of laws regarding medical and non-medical cannabis use in several US states, there has been growing interest in understanding the health effects of cannabis. However, little research has been conducted on how cannabis use specifically impacts surgical patients and their recovery process.
To fill this gap, the researchers analyzed data from 210,639 patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2020. The patients were divided into three groups: those who used cannabis before surgery, non-medical cannabis users, and patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder.
The study found that patients who used cannabis in general had a higher prevalence of co-existing conditions such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and schizoaffective disorder. These patients tended to be younger and male.
Interestingly, patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder were more likely to require advanced postoperative healthcare, including hospital readmission. This suggests that a history of cannabis use disorder may indicate factors that complicate the patient’s recovery and necessitate higher levels of healthcare after surgery.
However, patients who used cannabis without a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder had lower odds of needing advanced care after surgery compared to non-cannabis users. Moreover, these patients experienced shorter hospital stays compared to non-cannabis users.
The study findings shed light on the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among surgical patients in line with the broader legalization and usage trends in society. Healthcare professionals can consider this information when assessing the risks and postoperative care needs associated with cannabis use.
It is important to note that this study focused on the association between cannabis use and postoperative healthcare utilization, and further research is required to delve into the specific differences in outcomes between patients who use cannabis non-medically and those diagnosed with cannabis use disorder.
The study was published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine journal.