[Treatment of postoperative alcohol withdrawal syndrome after esophageal resection]

Abstract

Prophylaxis and treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome following esophagectomy consists of substitution with alcohol (1-2 g/kg/d), monotherapy with Midazolam (0.2-0.4 mg/kg/h) und Clonidin (1-2 mg/d). Out of 218 patients undergoing esophagectomy from X/86 till III/90 52 were classified as alcoholics and divided in 3 comparable groups. The Midazolamgroup showed the best results as far as withdrawal symptoms, time at the ICU, ventilation time, respiratory complications, delirium tremens and mortality are concerned. Patients in the Clonidin-group needed extensive supplimentary sedation.