The prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) has the potential to reduce mortality, stroke, and hospital stays in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery. Data from cardiac surgery patients suggest that prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation using an anti-inflammatory agent, such as colchicine, is feasible. The COP-AF trial will assess whether the administration of oral colchicine will reduce the incidence of perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery.

Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are among the most common serious complications occurring after thoracic surgery. AF is the most common perioperative cardiac arrhythmia. The incidence of perioperative AF in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery ranges from 10% in low-risk patients to as high as 20% in high-risk patients. The course of patients with perioperative AF is frequently complicated by hemodynamic instability, problems with managing anticoagulation in the early postoperative period, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stays, and increased costs. Patients who develop perioperative AF (POAF) or MINS also have a significantly increased risk of death and stroke.

Colchicine is an inexpensive drug and a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent that holds great potential for preventing POAF and MINS in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Data from cardiac surgery patients suggest that prevention of POAF using colchicine is feasible, but whether this concept is also applicable to patients undergoing thoracic surgery, where the risk of POAF is lower and underlying mechanisms may be different, is currently unclear. The 'Colchicine for the prevention of perioperative AF' (COP-AF) trial has been designed as a large randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial to determine whether colchicine, a potent, safe and inexpensive anti-inflammatory drug, lowers the risk of perioperative AF, MINS, and other inflammatory complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The primary objective of this trial is to determine whether a 10-day course of colchicine 0.5mg twice daily reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS within 14 days after thoracic surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients are eligible if they:

1. are undergoing thoracic surgery with general anesthesia;
2. are greater than or equal to 55 years of age at the time of randomization;
3. are expected to require at least an overnight hospital admission after surgery; and
4. provide written informed consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients will be excluded if they:

1. have a prior history of documented atrial fibrillation;
2. are currently taking anti-arrhythmic medication other than β-blockers, calcium channels blockers or digoxin;
3. are undergoing minor thoracic interventions/procedures (i.e., minor chest-wall surgeries, chest tube insertions, or needle pleural/lung biopsies);
4. have a contraindication to colchicine (i.e., allergy to colchicine, myelodysplastic disorders, or an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73m);
5. are not expected to take oral medications for greater than 24 hours after surgery (e.g., esophagectomy);
6. are scheduled for lung transplantation;
7. are currently taking non-study colchicine before surgery;
8. have severe hepatic dysfunction;
9. have aplastic anemia;
10. are a woman of childbearing potential who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or not taking effective contraception;
11. took within the last 14 days or are scheduled to take during the first 10 days after surgery clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, cyclosporine, ketoconazole, or itraconazole;
12. are an HIV patient treated with antiretroviral therapy; or
13. are scheduled for thoracoscopic lung wedge resection only.