FEATURES OF ANESTHESIA IN PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. PART 3.

Over the past decade, the prevalence of cannabis use among patients requiring surgery has increased by more than 3.5 times, with currently one in seven surgical patients reporting cannabis consumption. Adjusted analysis demonstrated a 1.19 times increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in cannabis users compared to non-users. Despite some discrepancies in the conclusions of many researchers regarding the impact of preoperative cannabis use on specific details of the postoperative period, all authors unanimously confirmed significant harm from cannabinoid dependence to patients' health. Pathological conditions caused by cannabis use are independent risk factors for postoperative complications, increased rates of rehospitalization and surgical interventions, prolonged hospital stays, and increased financial costs. Anesthesiologists' and surgeons' awareness of the pathophysiology of cannabis-dependent individuals will help prevent severe postoperative complications in this patient population and reduce the cost of surgical treatment. Medical cannabis-based preparations will undoubtedly be quite useful in the treatment of many diseases and pathological conditions, but they should be thoroughly studied prior to use in multicenter randomized controlled trials focusing on potential side effects in accordance with regional conditions.