Cannabis and liver transplant in the era of legalization: Effects of pretransplant cannabis use on postoperative opioid use and transplant outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Cannabis use is increasing in the United States, including among candidates for liver transplants (LTs). Although the anesthesia literature suggests an association between cannabis use and increased postoperative pain, the impact of cannabis use on post-LT opioid use remains unknown. This study investigates changes in cannabis use at a transplant center over time, as well as the impact of cannabis use on post-LT opioid use, health care utilization, and mortality. We included 4236 patients evaluated for LT at our institution between January 2013 and July 2023. Our primary risk factor was cannabis use, defined as urine toxicology positive for cannabis within 90 days of LT evaluation. Our primary outcome was post-LT opioid use, including oral morphine equivalents received during the LT hospit

SUBMITTER: Runge A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12353119 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature