# Retrospective analysis of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and drug interactions on postoperative outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

## TL;DR

This study shows that having multiple health conditions and taking many medications increases post-surgery risks for oral cancer patients.

## Contribution

The study reveals how multimorbidity and polypharmacy affect postoperative outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

## Key findings

- Multimorbidity and polypharmacy increase postoperative complications and readmission rates.
- Use of PRISCUS-listed medications correlates with higher mortality in OSCC patients.
- Avoiding inappropriate medications reduces reoperation and readmission risks by over 50%.

## Abstract

This retrospective study investigates the impact of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and drug interactions on postoperative outcomes and patient management in individuals diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study aims to identify treatment-related risks within surgical care pathways and explore the role of pharmacological complexity in patient prognosis.

Clinical data from OSCC patients undergoing surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Key parameters included the presence of multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity), the number and types of prescribed medications (polypharmacy), and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) according to the PRISCUS list. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, wound healing, readmission, reoperation rates, and mortality.

Multimorbidity and polypharmacy were significantly associated with increased rates of postoperative complications, delayed wound healing, and higher rates of hospital readmission. PIMs were prescribed in 13.7% of patients and were linked to elevated mortality. Importantly, patients who did not receive PRISCUS-listed medications had a 55% lower risk of readmission and a 52.3% lower risk of reoperation, suggesting a potential benefit of medication optimization in perioperative care.

The findings emphasize the relevance of multimorbidity and complex medication regimens in influencing surgical outcomes in OSCC. Systematic preoperative risk assessment and medication review are critical to reducing complications and improving recovery.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-025-06588-8.