A meta-analysis of nine previous studies found that quitting smoking shortly before surgery was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, according to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researchers analyzed existing studies through a search of the medical literature. They found nine studies that met their inclusion criteria comparing post-operative complications in patients who stopped smoking eight weeks or less prior to surgery with those who continued to smoke.
Only one study showed a benefit in quitting compared with continuing smoking, and none identified any detrimental outcomes. In meta-analyses, quitting smoking within eight weeks prior to surgery was not associated with an increase or decrease in overall postoperative complications.
Read the study about smoking cessation and surgery outcomes.
Read other coverage about outcomes:
- CDC Awards $10M in Research Grants for Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Pittsburgh Physician Put on Probation for Violating Infection Control Standards
- 70% Increase in Patients Needing Home Healthcare After Hospital Discharge
Researchers analyzed existing studies through a search of the medical literature. They found nine studies that met their inclusion criteria comparing post-operative complications in patients who stopped smoking eight weeks or less prior to surgery with those who continued to smoke.
Only one study showed a benefit in quitting compared with continuing smoking, and none identified any detrimental outcomes. In meta-analyses, quitting smoking within eight weeks prior to surgery was not associated with an increase or decrease in overall postoperative complications.
Read the study about smoking cessation and surgery outcomes.
Read other coverage about outcomes:
- CDC Awards $10M in Research Grants for Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Pittsburgh Physician Put on Probation for Violating Infection Control Standards
- 70% Increase in Patients Needing Home Healthcare After Hospital Discharge