Use of oral retinoids in the perioperative period by surgical specialty: a literature review
2025

Oral Retinoids and Surgery: A Review

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lauren Truax, Morgann Hendrixson, Jaree Naqvi, Julian Trevino

Primary Institution: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Does the use of oral retinoids negatively impact wound healing across various surgical specialties?

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that oral retinoids do not significantly impair wound healing in most surgical procedures.

Supporting Evidence

  • Oral retinoids show no significant adverse effects on wound healing in various dermatologic procedures.
  • In cosmetic plastic surgeries, satisfactory outcomes were reported despite the risk of hypertrophic scarring.
  • Perioperative use of oral retinoids in patients undergoing rhinoplasty may enhance satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes.
  • There is not definitive evidence that oral retinoids significantly affect outcomes of refractive surgery.
  • Collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and dermatologists regarding perioperative isotretinoin use should be encouraged.

Takeaway

This study looks at whether people need to stop taking a medicine called oral retinoids before surgery. It finds that for most surgeries, it's okay to keep taking them.

Methodology

The authors conducted a literature review using PubMed to analyze studies on the use of oral retinoids in various surgical specialties.

Limitations

The review primarily focuses on dermatologic and plastic surgeries, with limited data on other surgical specialties.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s00403-024-03750-2

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