Cannabis Users Reported More Pain After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Cannabis users reported significantly higher pain scores and used more opioids after mastectomy with breast reconstruction, though cannabis was not an independent predictor after adjusting for confounders.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis users reported significantly higher pain scores at 0-12 hours (4.42 vs 3.68, p=0.018) and 12-24 hours (4.53 vs 3.36, p=0.004) post-surgery. Cumulative opioid use was higher (67.40 vs 44.38 MME, p=0.010), and more cannabis users requested prescription refills (42.5% vs 22.8%, p=0.017). However, on multivariable regression, cannabis use was not an independent predictor.
Key Numbers
40 cannabis users vs 197 non-users. Pain scores: 4.46 vs 3.53 overall (p=0.002). Opioid use: 67.40 vs 44.38 MME cumulative (p=0.010). Refill requests: 42.5% vs 22.8% (p=0.017). Adjusted OR for refills: 2.56 (95% CI 0.92-7.34, p=0.073).
How They Did This
Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing mastectomy with bilateral tissue expander reconstruction from 2021-2025. Compared 40 cannabis users to 197 non-users on pain scores, opioid consumption, and refill rates.
Why This Research Matters
This adds to growing evidence that cannabis users experience more postoperative pain and require more opioids. The fact that cannabis was not an independent predictor after adjustment suggests it may be a marker for other factors that increase analgesic needs.
The Bigger Picture
Breast reconstruction is one of the most common procedures where pain management significantly affects recovery and satisfaction. Understanding that cannabis users may need different pain management approaches is increasingly important as cannabis use rises.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Retrospective design. Small cannabis user group (40 patients). Self-reported cannabis use. Cannabis was not an independent predictor after adjustment, suggesting confounding. Single-center study.
Questions This Raises
- ?What confounders explain the higher pain and opioid use in cannabis users?
- ?Should preoperative cannabis cessation be recommended before elective surgery?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 52% more opioid use in cannabis users (67.4 vs 44.4 MME)
- Evidence Grade:
- Retrospective single-center study with relatively small cannabis user group. The key finding that cannabis was not an independent predictor weakens the direct association.
- Study Age:
- 2026 study using 2021-2025 data.
- Original Title:
- Perioperative cannabis use on postoperative pain in immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction.
- Published In:
- Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 113, 250-256 (2026)
- Authors:
- Qin, Nancy, Wei, Lucy, Gundlach, Carson, Webster, Theresa K, Chinta, Malini, McVeigh, Annie B, Cohen, Leslie E, Otterburn, David M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08567
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop using cannabis before surgery?
This study found cannabis users had more pain and used more opioids after breast reconstruction. Discussing cannabis use with your surgical team can help them plan appropriate pain management.
Does cannabis cause more postoperative pain?
Cannabis was associated with more pain in unadjusted analysis but was not an independent predictor after controlling for other factors. It may be a marker for higher analgesic needs rather than a direct cause.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08567APA
Qin, Nancy; Wei, Lucy; Gundlach, Carson; Webster, Theresa K; Chinta, Malini; McVeigh, Annie B; Cohen, Leslie E; Otterburn, David M. (2026). Perioperative cannabis use on postoperative pain in immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction.. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 113, 250-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2025.11.013
MLA
Qin, Nancy, et al. "Perioperative cannabis use on postoperative pain in immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction.." Journal of plastic, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2025.11.013
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Perioperative cannabis use on postoperative pain in immediat..." RTHC-08567. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/qin-2026-perioperative-cannabis-use-on
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.