Alcohol withdrawal syndrome linked to worse surgical outcomes, higher costs, suggests study
Patients who develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) after major surgery face significantly higher risks of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased health care costs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
The findings underscore the need for screening before surgery and targeted interventions.
Using the National Inpatient Sample (2016–2019), researchers analyzed data from 3 million adults who underwent major operations, including colectomy, cardiac surgery, and liver resection. Among them, 16,504 (0.5%) were diagnosed with AWS, including 6,591 (0.2%) with life-threatening delirium tremens (DT). DT is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can include shaking, confusion, and hallucinations.
“AWS is a preventable complication, yet it’s often overlooked in surgical planning,” said lead author Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, FACS, surgeon-in-chief at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Our study shows that proactive screening and multidisciplinary care — involving surgeons, social workers, and addiction specialists — can save lives and reduce costs.”
Key Findings
High-risk patients: AWS was more common in men (median age 61), Medicaid recipients, and those with substance use disorders.
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