Impaired postoperative outcome in chronic alcohol abusers after curative resection for lung cancer

It has been demonstrated that chronic alcohol misusers, who drink at least 60 g of ethanol per day, are suffering increased postoperative morbidity after various non-pulmonary surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and postoperative morbidity and mortality after potential curative resection for lung cancer.

The records of all patients who underwent curative resection for lung cancer in a single University Centre in Cardiothoracic surgery during 1997 and 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and seven patients, 42 women and 65 men, median age of 64 (33-79) years, were included and subdivided with regard to alcohol consumption. There were 26 pneumonectomies, 68 lobectomies and 13 lesser resections. Clinical complications occurring within 30 days after surgery and requiring therapy, were registered and subdivided into major, potentially lethal complications, and minor complications. Mortality within 30 days after surgery was also registered.

Patients drinking at least 5 drinks per day had increased postoperative mortality, 3/13 versus 2/94 (odds ratio (95% confidence limits): 13.80 (2.06-92.68); P=0.007). The rate of major, live threatening complications including septicaemia and cardiopulmonary insufficiency was significantly increased among patients drinking at least 5 drinks per day 6/13 versus 19/94 (odds ratio (95% confidence limits): 3.38 (1.02-11.25); P=0.047) in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analysis this association was not significant.

Postoperative mortality after curative resection for lung cancer was significantly increased among patients drinking at least 5 drinks of alcohol per day.