206 posters, 13 topics, 5 sessions, 713 authors, 294 institutions
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AAPS 104th Annual Meeting
May 2-5, 2026 | Lihue, HI
D2
Evaluating Acute And Long-term Chronic Pain And Quality Of Life Outcomes In Patients With Cannabis Use Disorders Undergoing Complex Reconstructive Surgery
Poster Presenter
Authors
Sophia Ahn, Anirudh Kulkarni, Bradley Colarusso, Manuela Neira, Ryan Cauley
Affiliations
Part of Topic
Gender Affirmation
Background:
Cannabis use disorders (CUDs) are growing in prevalence throughout the U.S., but questions remain about perioperative counseling regarding cannabis cessation prior to reconstructive surgery. Furthermore, cannabis use’s effects on long-term postoperative outcomes are unknown.
Aim 1: To assess whether pre-existing CUD affects postoperative, anesthesia-related, and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing complex reconstructive flap-based procedures
Aim 2: To compare complication rates associated with CUD to those of nicotine dependence in patients undergoing same complex reconstructive surgeries
Methods:
•Retrospective cohort study using TriNetX Research Network
•Inclusion: ≥ 18 y/o, Pedicled or Free Flap Surgeries
•Propensity score matching to control for demographics, comorbidities, psychosocial conditions
Results:
Cohorts
•4366 CUD pts vs. 4366 matched non-CUD pts
•22,750 nicotine-users vs. 22,759 matched non-users
Outcomes
•CUD associated with dehiscence, infection, anesthesia-induced confusion, nausea, hypotension, blood transfusions (see Table 1)
•No significant differences seen in long-term chronic pain, opioid use
Nicotine associated with dehiscence, infection, hematoma, OR return, sepsis, anesthesia complications, chronic pain, opioid disorders, depression
Conclusions:
•Cannabis use disorder may be associated with a small, but significant increase in risk of early complications of complex reconstructive surgeries, but no significant differences in long-term chronic pain-related outcomes
•The effects of cannabis are modest compared to those associated with nicotine use
•While cannabis cessation prior to elective reconstructive surgeries may lead to small improvements in postoperative risk, CUD should not be seen as a contraindication in appropriately selected patients
Future research:
•Investigate factors, such as frequency of cannabis use, route of administration (smoking, vaping, edible), and duration of cannabis use
•Investigate potential effects of combined nicotine and cannabis use