A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE ON POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY IN MEDICALLY ILL PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE SURGERY

This prospective observational study investigated the impact of psychotropic drug use on postoperative recovery among medically ill adults undergoing elective surgery. The research addressed the limited evidence describing how chronic psychotropic medication affects recovery trajectories, including pain, sedation, delirium, and length of hospital stay. The primary objectives were to compare postoperative outcomes between patients with and without preoperative psychotropic drug exposure and to identify associated risks that could inform perioperative care strategies. The study enrolled 200 patients, with 100 psychotropic users and 100 non-users. Data were collected on baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and standardized measures of pain, sedation, delirium, and complications. Analysis revealed that psychotropic users experienced significantly higher early postoperative pain scores, greater sedation within the first 12 hours, a higher incidence of delirium (21% vs. 9%), and longer hospital stays. These findings are significant because they highlight the need for heightened perioperative vigilance, individualized analgesia plans, and multidisciplinary collaboration to mitigate risks associated with psychotropic medication. The results underscore the broader impact of psychiatric pharmacotherapy on surgical recovery, with implications for patient education, resource utilization, and safety protocols. Future research should explore targeted interventions, stratified risk assessments, and the long-term effects of psychotropic drug use on functional outcomes.