A recent simulation study found that surgeons' skills are impaired as late as 4:00 P.M. the next day after a night of drinking. The simulation involved measurement of the operating skills of experienced laparoscopic surgeons following alcohol consumption the night before.
Surprisingly, there are no rules or guidelines to govern consumption of alcohol by surgeons the night before an operation. The investigators who conducted the study speculated that it is likely that many surgeons are not even aware that next-day surgical performance may be compromised as a result of significant alcohol intake.
Investigators called for the issue to be studied and for guidelines to be issued by the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Click here to read more about the study on MedPage Today.
