Postoperative use of hypnotics is associated with increased length of stay after uncomplicated surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypnotics are used to treat perioperative sleep disorders. These drugs are associated with a higher risk of adverse effects among patients undergoing surgery. This study aims to quantify the use of hypnotics and factors influencing the administration of hypnotics in relation to colorectal cancer surgery.

METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of 1979 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

RESULTS: In all, 381 patients (19%) received new treatment with hypnotics. Two of the six surgical centres used hypnotics less often (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.24 (0.16-0.38) and 0.20 (0.12-0.35)). Active smokers (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.57 (1.11-2.24)) and patients receiving perioperative blood transfusion (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.58 (1.10-2.26)) had increased likelihood of receiving hypnotics. In the uncomplicated cases, a multivariable linear regression analysis showed that consumption of hypnotics postoperatively was significantly associated with increased length of stay (1.5 (0.9-2.2) days).

CONCLUSION: One in five patients began treatment with hypnotics after colorectal cancer surgery. Postoperative use of hypnotics was associated with an increased length of stay for uncomplicated cases of colorectal cancer surgery.