We conclude that symptom-orientated bolus-titrated therapy decreases the severity and duration of AWS and of medication requirements, with clinically relevant benefits such as fewer days of ventilation, lower incidence of pneumonia, and shorter ICU stay.

To detect more alcoholic patients at risk for major complications, patients should be seen more often, and additional diagnostic tools such as the CAGE, CDT, and GGT should be used before surgery.

To detect more alcoholic patients at risk for major complications, patients should be seen more often, and additional diagnostic tools such as the CAGE, CDT, and GGT should be used before surgery.