Impact of alcohol & smoking on the surgical management of gastrointestinal patients

Publication date: October 2017Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, Volume 31, Issue 5Author(s): Niall D. Kennedy, Des C. WinterAbstractAlcohol and smoking are repeatedly described as modifiable risk factors in clinical studies across all surgical specialities. These lifestyle choices impart a sub-optimal physiology via multiple processes and play an important role in the surgical management of the gastrointestinal patient. Cessation is imperative to optimise the patient's fitness for surgery with surgery itself being a prime opportunity for sustained cessation. A consistent, planned and integrated management involving surgical, anaesthetic, medical, and primary care facets will aid in successful cessation and perioperative care. This review highlights the pathological processes which contribute to perioperative complications and details the current practices to detect, predict and appropriately manage the perioperative gastrointestinal patient who smokes and consumes alcohol.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research