Pre-existing do-not-resuscitate orders are not associated with increased postoperative morbidity at 30 days in surgical patients*

Abstract

Undergoing surgery with a pre-existing do-not-resuscitate order did not increase the risk of having a postoperative minor or major morbidity at any time within the 30-day postoperative period. Results of health care in U.S. hospitals do not differ based on presence of do-not-resuscitate orders.