Identification and treatment of alcohol use disorders in the perioperative period.
Patients with alcohol use disorders who undergo surgery face added risks and longer recovery time. Identification of such patients may reduce these risks, allow physicians to increase awareness of surgical requirements, and minimize postoperative complications. This article defines the alcohol problems encountered, describes preoperative screening tests and treatments, and discusses postoperative assessment and management of complications such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Gordon
Adam J
AJ
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pennsylvania 15240, USA. adam.gordon@med.va.gov
Olstein
Josh
J
Conigliaro
Joseph
J
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000628:therapy