Impact of Smoking on Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Outcome

Abstract

Objective. Smoking plays a major role in deficiencies of the vascular system, and seems to have consequences for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that smokers have a higher mortality and more complications after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery than non-smokers. Methods. We assessed mortality and complications of 3270 patients who underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery in Europe between January 1994 and July 2001. Survival and (post) operative complications were assessed by smoking status. Results. Mortality did not significantly differ between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers had a higher number of intra-operative additional procedures, but a lower number of late endoleaks in comparison to non-smokers. In addition, smokers had a reduced risk of late type II endoleaks in comparison with non-smokers. Conclusion. There seems to be no significant difference in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery outcome between smokers and non-smokers, although there were significant differences in intra-operative additional procedures and late endoleaks.