Statin withdrawal after major noncardiac surgery: risks, consequences, and preventative strategies

A growing body of research suggests that statins improve perioperative cardiac outcomes by attenuating inflammation. Conversely, some studies suggest that withdrawal of statins after surgery results in an upsurge of inflammation and adverse cardiac outcomes.

We performed a literature search using multiple medical databases to examine the basic, clinical, and experimental evidence supporting the existence of a statin withdrawal state. Studies examining outcomes associated with statin withdrawal were narratively synthesized.

Published evidence suggests that statin withdrawal is associated with worse cardiac outcomes in a variety of scenarios, including acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and surgery. Although certain reasons for postoperative statin cessation are difficult to avoid (eg, ileus after surgery), we posit that many perioperative clinicians may be unaware of the importance of statin resumption in a timely fashion. This lack of awareness translates into preventable harm and an opportunity for outcome improvement. We introduce innovative practices through which perioperative practitioners may prevent statin discontinuation.

Ensuring the resumption of statins after surgery should become routine practice for perioperative providers. We highlight knowledge gaps and identify a research agenda aimed at better understanding this practice.