Do Statins Reduce Perioperative Complications?

A meta-analysis found a reduction in perioperative mortality, but not in the incidence of MI and stroke.

Largely retrospective research has suggested that preoperative use of statins may reduce cardiovascular complications of surgery. The presumed mechanisms are “pleiotropic” (i.e., non–lipid-lowering) effects of statins, including improved endothelial function and anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects.

This meta-analysis included 15 studies (12 retrospective) that reported associations between preoperative statin use and postoperative outcomes. The largest study was retrospective and involved patients undergoing noncardiac surgery; the other 14 involved cardiac or vascular surgery. Overall, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in statin users than in controls by about 1 percentage point; in patients undergoing cardiovascular su…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD