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

ObjectiveThis study evaluated whether preoperative tea consumption reduces postoperative ileus risk after colorectal cancer surgery, given tea's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.MethodsIn 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.ResultsAfter 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.ConclusionRegular preoperative tea consumption is associated with significantly reduced POI risk, supporting its consideration in prehabilitation protocols.