Association Between Preoperative Tea Drinking Habits and Postoperative Ileus in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated whether preoperative tea consumption reduces postoperative ileus risk after colorectal cancer surgery, given tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Methods In this retrospective cohort of 681 patients, tea drinkers (≥1 cup/day, n = 191) were compared to non-drinkers (n = 490). The primary outcome was Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 POI within 30 postoperative days. Propensity score matching (1:1) balanced baseline characteristics. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses assessed associations, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses verifying robustness. Results After matching (191 pairs), tea drinkers showed significantly lower POI incidence (8.9% vs 15.7%). Tea consumption remained an independent protective factor (adjusted OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.93; HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.97). Enhanced protection was observed in males, patients ≤70 years, and open surgery cases. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Conclusion Regular preoperative tea consumption is associated with significantly reduced POI risk, supporting its consideration in prehabilitation protocols.