Marijuana's Impact On Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Recommended Citation
Al-Saghir T, Hall J, Diffley M, Tang A, Teitelbaum A, Tepper DG, Darian V, Evangelista M, and Atisha D. Marijuana's Impact On Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2024; 12(8):e6082.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
Publication Title
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that chronic marijuana use is associated with increased vascular inflammation, endothelial damage, myocardial infarctions, strokes, arteritis, and cardiomyopathies; however, cannabis's effect on wound healing in immediate direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction is unknown. With the increasing prevalence of marijuana use, it is imperative to understand its effects on surgical outcomes.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients in a quaternary-care breast cancer center undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction. Patient demographics, operative details, and surgical complications were extracted through chart review. Active cannabis use was defined as use within 12 weeks of operation. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed.
RESULTS: In total, 243 consecutive patients underwent immediate DTI reconstruction, and 12 reported active cannabis use. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, cancer treatment, or operative details. Active marijuana users demonstrated higher rates of cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics (P = 0.004), explantation for infection (P = 0.004), emergency department visits (P = 0.028), readmission (P = 0.037), takeback to the operating room in 90 days (P < 0.001), and overall major complications (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that active marijuana users were more likely to experience cellulitis treated with IV antibiotics [odds ratio (OR) = 3.55, P = 0.024], takeback to the OR within 90 days of operation (OR = 4.75, P = 0.001), and major complications (OR = 2.26, P = 0.048).
CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of cannabis in the perioperative setting is associated with increased rates of complications in patients undergoing immediate DTI reconstruction; however, an analysis with a larger patient population is needed to conclude that abstinence from its use should be highly encouraged.
PubMed ID
39171243
Volume
12
Issue
8
First Page
6082
Last Page
6082
