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Heavy drinking increases risk of infection after surgery

October 20, 2003

Research news from the British Journal of Surgery

17 October 2003: Nosocomial infection is a risk faced by any patient undergoing general surgical procedures. A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery reveals that some patients increase this inevitable risk to themselves and others through regular, heavy drinking prior to hospital admission.

The study, conducted in Andalusia, Spain, describes the relationship between regular heavy drinking, which was evaluated by questionnaire, and the development of infection, including surgical-site infection and lower respiratory tract infection, while in hospital for general surgery. Of the 717 men enrolled in the study, 178 were classified as moderate or heavy drinkers. Women were excluded due to the small number of female moderate/heavy drinkers.

Researchers found that only 14.8% of patients who were non-drinkers developed nosocomial infection, whereas the percentage jumped to 25% for patients who consumed 109-144g/day of alcohol. Of the 75 patients who developed surgical-site infection while in hospital, 75% consumed at least 72 g/day of wine (equivalent to six or more glasses). This indicates that heavy consumption of wine in particular severely increases the risk of infection.

While wine may be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular and chronic disease, it can add potentially serious risk to even routine surgical procedures. With the increasing threat posed by 'superbugs,' many of which prey in hospitals, patients and hospital staff must be aware of the increased risk posed by avoidable behaviours.

John Wiley & Sons