About 40 percent of adult patients undergoing surgery have two or more lifestyle risk factors, such as being overweight, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. This is shown by research by the VU medical center (VUmc).
These factors can lead to complications during surgery and to delayed recovery. According to the VUmc researchers, these patients fall between two stools. Due to lack of time and money there are hardly any possibilities to support the patient in improving health before surgery.
The researchers therefore argue for more preventive measures in the form of information and counseling of patients prior to the procedure.
Healthy lifestyle
The Department of Anesthesiology of the VUmc has been conducting research for some time into the prevention of health risks during surgery within the 'Healthy Operation' project † In 1228 adult patients who saw the anesthetist for a preoperative risk screening visited, it was investigated whether they suffered from overweight, high blood pressure and/or diabetes and whether they smoke and use alcohol and/or drugs excessively.
Read more about the risks of being overweight here >
The goal of this project is to reduce the risks . during and after surgery that are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.
