Postoperative complications significantly worsen patient-reported outcomes.

Incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into the NSQIP revealed that over 33% of patients without complications score worse than national benchmarks. Among those experiencing complications, the likelihood of reporting poorer PROs is 1.7 times higher, reflecting notable declines in global physical health, mental health, and increased pain interference. These alarming findings highlight a pressing demand for solutions to enhance patient recovery and quality of life post-surgery.