How Does Alcohol Use Impact Surgery Results?

Drinking alcohol can affect many different aspects of the surgical process, including preoperative preparation, anesthesia, surgery itself, and postoperative recovery. Here are some of the ways that alcohol use can affect surgery:

• Delayed Healing – Alcohol can impair the immune system and increase the risk of infection, which can prolong recovery time. Alcohol can also interfere with the formation of new tissue, which is essential for healing.
• Increased Risk of Bleeding– Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding and complications during and after surgery
• Anesthesia Complications – Alcohol can affect the way the body responds to anesthesia, causing breathing problems or other complications during surgery. Alcohol can also affect how the body metabolizes anesthesia drugs, making it more difficult to achieve and maintain the desired level of sedation.
• Longer Hospital Stay – Patients who consume alcohol may require more monitoring and care during their recovery, which can prolong their stay in the hospital.
• Increased Risk of Relapse – For people with alcohol use disorder, surgery can be a trigger for a relapse. This is because the stress and pain associated with surgery can make alcohol seem like an appealing way to cope.
• Impaired Postoperative Judgment – Drinking alcohol before surgery can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of making poor decisions about postoperative care. This can lead to complications or delays in healing.

In summary, it is best to avoid alcohol use before and after surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. If you are a heavy drinker, it’s important to inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your alcohol use to ensure the safest and most effective care. It is important for people who are having surgery to be honest with their healthcare providers about their alcohol use. This can help your providers develop a surgical care plan that takes into account the individual’s unique needs and risks.