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True or false: Plastic Surgeons Should Counsel Against Perioperative Marijuana Use
Jaeda Robinson, BS
Rachel Smith, PhD, MPH
Cristiane Ueno, MD
Charles Hamilton, MD, MBA
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
2025-01-10
Presenter: Jaeda Robinson
Affidavit:
I attest that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal. The named student has contributed to 75% of the study concept and design as well as 100% of the data collection. I have no conflicts to disclose.
Director Name: Cristiane Ueno, MD
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Breast (Aesthetic and Recon.)
Background: Advancement in the legalization and use of marijuana within the U.S. necessitates clinical understanding of how it may impact healthcare, specifically surgical management and outcomes. There are no current guidelines within the field of Plastic Surgery regarding marijuana use among patients undergoing gender-affirming chest surgery. This study aims to evaluate the implications of cannabis use to formulate practical, evidence-based recommendations for pre-operative counseling and post-operative care.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent gender-affirming chest surgery at The Ohio State University from March 2022 until present. Intraoperative oral morphine equivalents (MME) administered, post-discharge oral MME consumed, and postoperative complications were compared between patients who self-reported marijuana use and those who did not. All target variables were curated from each patient's EMR.
Results: Eighty-one cases were included in this preliminary data set with 47% (N = 38) self-reporting marijuana use. Oxycodone was the most prescribed post-operative opioid for pain management and its use was similar across groups with 47.4% of users and 42.2% non-users endorsing consumption. No major surgical complications were noted during this study, however, approximately 20% of each group experienced at least one minor postoperative complication with delayed wounded healing being the most common.
Conclusions: The data above suggests there is no significant difference between marijuana users and non-users as it pertains to perioperative management and outcomes. Future research should aim to formulate and implement a standardize patient questionnaire regarding recreational marijuana use, specifically dose, route, and frequency of use.
