Analysis of independent risk factors for postoperative stress ulcers in high-altitude areas

Background Surgical procedures can increase the incidence of stress ulcers. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of postoperative stress gastric ulcers in a high-altitude environment and to identify independent risk factors through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 106 patients who underwent surgical treatment at a medical institution located above 4,000 meters in altitude between January 2023 and December 2024. Collected information included gender, age, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, anxiety levels, depressive status, history of digestive ulcer, type of anesthesia, surgical site, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of surgery. Results Among the 106 surgical patients, 33 developed postoperative stress ulcers. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety levels, history of digestive ulcer, type of anesthesia, surgical site, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that anxiety levels, history of digestive ulcer, and intraoperative blood loss were independent risk factors for postoperative stress ulcers. Conclusion In high-altitude areas, the incidence of postoperative stress ulcers significantly increases. The level of anxiety, a history of peptic ulcer disease, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss are important risk factors for postoperative stress ulcers. Preoperative psychological assessment and support should be implemented, surgical trauma should be minimized, and perioperative management should be strengthened to reduce the incidence of postoperative stress ulcers.