Perioperative Smoking Cessation Research Articles

Barriers and facilitators to perioperative smoking cessation: A scoping review.

Smoking cessation interventions are underutilized in the surgical setting. We aimed to systematically identify the barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation in the surgical setting. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework for scoping reviews, we searched 5 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) for quantitative or qualitative studies published in English (since 2000) evaluating barriers and facilitators to perioperative smoking cessation interventions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and mapped to the theoretical domains framework (TDF). From 31 studies, we identified 23 unique barriers and 13 facilitators mapped to 11 of the 14 TDF domains. The barriers were within the domains of knowledge (e.g., inadequate knowledge of smoking cessation interventions) in 23 (74.2%) studies; environmental context and resources (e.g., lack of time to deliver smoking cessation interventions) in 19 (61.3%) studies; beliefs about capabilities (e.g., belief that patients are nervous about surgery/diagnosis) in 14 (45.2%) studies; and social/professional role and identity (e.g., surgeons do not believe it is their role to provide smoking cessation interventions) in 8 (25.8%) studies. Facilitators were mainly within the domains of environmental context and resources (e.g., provision of quit smoking advice as routine surgical care) in 15 (48.4%) studies, reinforcement (e.g., surgery itself as a motivator to kickstart quit attempts) in 8 (25.8%) studies, and skills (e.g., smoking cessation training and awareness of guidelines) in 5 (16.2%) studies. The identified barriers and facilitators are actionable targets for future studies aimed at translating evidence informed smoking cessation interventions into practice in perioperative settings. More research is needed to evaluate how targeting these barriers and facilitators will impact smoking outcomes.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after closed proximal humerus fractures.

Proximal humerus fractures are common in clinical practice, and there are relatively a few studies on postoperative incision infections of such fractures. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after internal fixation in patients with closed proximal humerus fractures. Patients with closed proximal humerus fractures who underwent surgery from January 2016 to January 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Cases with superficial or deep infections within 3 months after surgery were in the infection group and the remaining cases were in the non-infection group. The types of pathogenic bacteria in the infection group were analysed. The potential risk factors for SSI in all patients were recorded: (1) patient-related factors: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, comorbidities; (2) trauma-related factors: mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, visual analogue scale, fracture type, soft tissue condition and combined dislocation; (3) laboratory-related indexes: haemoglobin, albumin; (4) surgery-related factors: time from injury to surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists anaesthesia classification, surgical time, fixation mode, intraoperative blood loss, suture method, bone graft and postoperative drainage. The risk factors for the occurrence of SSI were analysed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. The incidence of SSI was 15.7%. The most common bacterium in the infection group was Staphylococcus aureus. High BMI (p = 0.033), smoking (p = 0.030), an increase in mean time from injury to definitive surgery (p = 0.013), and prolonged surgical time (p = 0.044) were independent risk factors for the development of SSI after closed proximal humeral fractures. In patients with closed proximal humerus fractures, weight loss, perioperative smoking cessation, avoidance of delayed surgery, and shorter surgical time may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of SSI.

Effect of Smoking on Cancer Surgery Outcomes and Recommendations for Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention

Smoking, a common behavior that causes health risks among adults around the world, is closely associated with the risks of developing various kinds of cancers. Nevertheless, the impact of smoking on preoperative risks and postoperative outcomes of cancer surgeries has been largely overlooked. Extensive basic medical and clinical research findings and prognosis data demonstrate that smoking is associated with increased risks of multiple perioperative complications, and that smoking affects the general prognosis of patients. Smoking cessation during the preoperative and perioperative periods effectively reduces these risks and improves the long-term postoperative outcomes of cancer patients. At present, health workers and patients are not giving adequate attention to smoking cessation interventions and the quality of interventions available is poor. Herein, we discussed the necessity of comprehensive and standardized smoking cessation services and made recommendations regarding the implementation of comprehensive and standardized smoking cessation services, providing support for cancer patients to access evidence-based care during the perioperative period.

Primary total elbow arthroplasty, is there a correlation between smoking and postoperative complications? A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

BackgroundSmoking has been suggested to be correlated with increased rates of several postoperative complications following total joint arthroplasty. As the utilization of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) continues to rise, identifying modifiable factors to best optimize the patient is crucial. The goal of this study is to identify if a correlation exists between smoking status and 30-day postoperative complications following TEA. MethodsData were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2021 using Current Procedural Terminology code 24363 (Arthroplasty, elbow, with distal humeral and proximal ulnar prosthetic replacement; total elbow). Patients were placed into 1 of 2 cohorts based on smoking status. A multivariate logistic regression was used to compare rates of postoperative complications between cohorts and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to evaluate risk of postoperative complications. ResultsSmoking was not found to be significantly correlated with any recorded complication, including surgical site infection (OR = 1.98, P = .219), sepsis (OR = 0.84, P = .879), hospital readmission (OR = 1.9, P = .136), return to operating room (OR = 1.06, P = .913), pulmonary embolism (OR = 0.91, P = .933), and blood loss requiring transfusion (OR = 0.36, P = .211). DiscussionThis study suggests no significant correlation between smoking and increased rates of complications following TEA in the 30-day postoperative window, such as postoperative surgical site infection, hospital readmission, or sepsis. ConclusionThis study found no significant correlation between smoking and complications within the 30-day postoperative window, supporting the safety of TEA procedures for smokers. However, perioperative smoking cessation is still recommended as part of medical optimization before surgery. The results provide a valuable tool for risk stratification in TEA patients, especially smokers, during the acute postoperative phase. Decisions regarding TEA surgery should involve shared decision-making between the surgeon and patient, considering multiple factors.

Effect of messaging content on engagement with a short messaging service for perioperative smoking cessation.

We determined whether a tobacco cessation intervention targeting brief perioperative abstinence ("quit for a bit") increased engagement of surgical patients with treatment compared with an intervention targeting long-term postoperative abstinence ("quit for good"). Surgical patients who smoke were stratified according to intended duration of postoperative abstinence, and then randomized within strata to receive either a "quit for a bit" or a "quit for good" intervention. Both employed initial brief counseling and short message service (SMS) to deliver treatment up to 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome of treatment engagement was defined as the rate at which subjects actively responded to system requests delivered via SMS. The engagement index did not differ between intervention groups (median [25th, 75th] of 23.7% [8.8, 46.0] for "quit for a bit" group (n=48) and 22.2% [4.8, 46.0] for "quit for good" group (n=50), p=0.74), nor did the proportion of patients continuing SMS use after study completion (33% and 28%, respectively). Exploratory abstinence outcomes at morning of surgery and 7 and 30 days after surgery did not differ between groups. Program satisfaction was high in both groups and did not differ. There was no significant interaction between intended abstinence duration and any outcome, i.e., alignment of intent with intervention did not affect engagement. Tobacco cessation treatment delivered via SMS was well-accepted by surgical patients. Tailoring an SMS intervention to focus on the benefits of short-term abstinence for surgical patients did not increase engagement in treatment or perioperative abstinence rates. Treatment of surgical patients for tobacco use is efficacious and reduces postoperative complications. However, implementation in clinical practice has proved challenging, and new methods of engaging these patients in cessation treatment are needed. We found that tobacco use treatment delivered via short message service (SMS) was feasible and well-utilized by surgical patients. Tailoring an SMS intervention to focus on the benefits of short-term abstinence for surgical patients did not increase engagement in treatment or perioperative abstinence rates.

Surgeon behaviors related to engaging patients in smoking cessation at the time of elective surgery

BackgroundDespite the abundance of evidence supporting smoking cessation before elective surgery, there is wide variation in surgeon adherence to these best practices. MethodsThis qualitative study used convenience sampling to recruit General Surgery trained surgeons. Surgeons participated in semi-structured interviews based on domains from the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Content analysis was guided by the TDF. ResultsOf the 14 TDF domains, social or professional role/identity, memory, attention and decision processes, environmental context and resources, and beliefs about consequences emerged most frequently. Mapping these domains to the Behavior Change Wheel identified education, enablement, and incentivization as effective intervention functions. ConclusionsUsing the TDF, this study identified a widespread sense of responsibility among surgeons to engage patients in perioperative smoking cessation despite workplace barriers and lacking resources. These findings provide valuable insight to facilitate surgeon participation in health promotion through targeted, theory-based interventions informed by surgeon identified barriers to perioperative smoking cessation.

"It Is A Carrot-Stick Model": A Qualitative Study of Rural-Serving Clinician and Rural-Residing Veteran Perceptions of Requirements to Quit Smoking prior to Elective Surgery.

Some medical centers and surgeons require patients to stop smoking cigarettes prior to elective orthopaedic surgeries in an effort to decrease surgical complications. Given higher rates of smoking among rural individuals, rural patients may be disproportionately impacted by these requirements. We assessed the perceptions and experiences of rural-residing Veterans and clinicians related to this requirement. We conducted qualitative semistructured one-on-one interviews of 26 rural-residing veterans, 10 VA orthopaedic surgery staff (from two Veterans Integrated Services Networks), 24 PCPs who serve rural veterans (14 VA; 10 non-VA), and 4 VA pharmacists. Using the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior framework, we performed conventional content analysis. We found three primary themes across respondents: (1) knowledge of and the evidence base for the requirement varied widely; (2) strong personal attitudes toward the requirement; and (3) implementation and possible implications of this requirement. All surgery staff reported knowledge of requirements at their institution. VA PCPs reported knowledge of requirements but typically could not recall specifics. Most patients were unaware. The majority of respondents felt this requirement could increase motivation to quit smoking. Some PCPs felt a more thorough explanation of smoking-related complications would result in increased quit attempts. About half of all patients reported belief that the requirement was reasonable regardless of initial awareness. Respondents expressed little concern that the requirement might increase rural-urban disparities. Most PCPs and patients felt that there should be exceptions for allowing surgery, while surgical staff disagreed. Discussion. Most respondents thought elective surgery was a good motivator to quit smoking; but patients, PCPs, and surgical staff differed on whether there should be exceptions to the requirement that patients quit preoperatively. Future efforts to augment perioperative smoking cessation may benefit from improving coordination across services and educating patients more about the benefits of quitting.

A practical guide for perioperative smoking cessation.

The perioperative management of patients who are smokers presents anesthesiologists with various challenges related to respiratory, circulatory, and other clinical problems. Regarding 30-day postoperative outcomes, smokers have higher risks of mortality and complications than non-smokers, including death, pneumonia, unplanned tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Given the benefits of smoking cessation and the adverse effects of smoking on perioperative patient management, patients should quit smoking long before surgery. However, anesthesiologists cannot address these issues alone. The Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists established guidelines in 2015 (published in a medical journal in 2017) to enlighten surgical staff members and patients regarding perioperative tobacco cessation. The primary objective of perioperative smoking cessation is to reduce the risks of adverse cardiovascular and respiratory events, wound infection, and other perioperative complications. Perioperative preparations constitute a powerful teachable moment, a "golden opportunity" for smoking cessation to achieve improved primary disease outcomes and prevent the occurrence of tobacco-related conditions. This review updates the aforementioned guidelines as a practical guide to cover the nuts and bolts of perioperative smoking cessation. Its goal is to assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals and to increase patients' awareness of smoking risks before elective surgery.

Vaping and E-Cigarette Use in Children and Adolescents: Implications on Perioperative Care From the American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Pediatric Anesthesia, Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, and American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping use in adolescents has emerged as a public health crisis that impacts the perioperative care of this vulnerable population. E-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco products among youth in the United States. Fruit and mint flavors and additives such as marijuana have enticed children and adolescents. E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a newly identified lung disease linked to vaping. Clinical presentation of EVALI can be varied, but most commonly includes the respiratory system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and constitutional symptoms. Clinical management of EVALI has consisted of vaping cessation and supportive therapy, including supplemental oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, glucocorticoids, and empiric antibiotics, until infectious causes are eliminated, and in the most severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Currently, although there is an insufficient evidence to determine the safety and the efficacy of e-cigarettes for perioperative smoking cessation, EVALI clearly places these patients at an increased risk of perioperative morbidity. Given the relatively recent introduction of e-cigarettes, the long-term impact on adolescent health is unknown. As a result, the paucity of postoperative outcomes in this potentially vulnerable population does not support evidence-based recommendations for the management of these patients. Clinicians should identify "at-risk" individuals during preanesthetic evaluations and adjust the risk stratification accordingly. Our societies encourage continued education of the public and health care providers of the risks associated with vaping and nicotine use and encourage regular preoperative screening and postoperative outcome studies of patients with regard to smoking and vaping use.

Smoking Cessation Initiatives in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Evidence-Based Review.

As smoking increases the risk of adverse events and leads to increased hospital costs following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), many institutions have introduced perioperative smoking cessation initiatives. Although such programs have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for smokers undergoing TJA, the optimal approach, duration, and timing of smoking cessation models have not been well-defined. Overall, initiating a smoking cessation program 4 weeks preoperatively is likely adequate to provide clinically meaningful reductions in postoperative complications for smokers following TJA, although longer periods of cessation should be encouraged if feasible. Patients brought in for emergency surgical treatment who cannot participate in a preoperative intervention may still benefit from an intervention instituted in the immediate postoperative period. Cotinine testing may provide some benefit for encouraging successful smoking cessation and validating self-reported smoking status, although its utility is limited by its short half-life. Further study is needed to determine the value of other measures of cessation such as carbon monoxide breath testing. Smoking cessation programs instituted prior to TJA have been demonstrated to be cost-effective over both the short and long term.

Smoking Characteristics and Readiness-to-Quit Status Among Smokers Attending Preoperative Assessment Clinic - A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundPerioperative smoking is associated with an increased incidence of general postoperative morbidity and mortality. The perioperative period is recognized as an important “teachable moment” that can motivate patients to adopt health changing behaviors.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of smokers among elective surgical patients in an Asian tertiary hospital. We also investigated their smoking characteristics, previous quitting attempts, readiness-to-quit status as well as knowledge of smoking-related postoperative complications.MethodsWe conducted a single-center prospective cohort study among all patients who attended a preoperative assessment clinic within a 2-month period (August to September 2020) using a preoperative smoking questionnaire.ResultsA total of 3362 patients participated in the study, of which 348 (10.4%) were current smokers. More than half (65.6%) of the smokers had previously attempted to quit smoking, with most (78%) having made more than one attempt. Forty-nine percent of current smokers were in the pre-contemplation stage of quitting and thirty-one percent were in the contemplation stage. Only twenty-one percent were in the preparation stage of quitting. Thirty-eight percent of patients recognized the importance of smoking cessation perioperatively but only twenty-eight percent were confident of quitting perioperatively. Less than sixty percent of smokers were aware of at least one type of smoking-related postoperative complication. Less than half of the patients (45%) had ever received advice on perioperative smoking cessation from the surgeons.ConclusionA thorough understanding of smokers’ smoking characteristics, barriers to quit and readiness-to-quit status are crucial to establishing a successful multidisciplinary perioperative smoking cessation program. Counselling should address knowledge deficits and be tailored to a patient’s stage-of-change in order to seize this precious perioperative “teachable moment”.

Effectiveness of a perioperative smoking cessation program evaluated over one-year follow-up

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the effects of an intervention protocol for perioperative smoking cessation on short- and long-term smoking abstinence of patients. Methods: A total of 115 patients who were scheduled for ENT surgery were included in the study. The participants of the smoking cessation program were included in the study group, and subjects who smoke but have not heard about this program were included in the control group. Subjects who refused to participate in the smoking cessation program were included in the refusal group. The proportion of smoking cessation in each group was compared during the one-year follow-up. Results: The trends of failure rate during the one-year follow-up were approximately the same among the groups, but the failure at 1 month postoperatively in the control group was more prominent than that in the study group. In the study group, subjects who maintained and did not maintain smoking cessation at 1 year postoperatively did not show any significant differences in terms of demographic data, smoking history, and perioperative parameters. Conclusions: Results show that the smoking cessation program was effective, particularly in the early postoperative period. However, another program is needed for patients who failed to maintain smoking cessation during long-term follow-up.

Smoking cessation intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: A prospective randomized controlled trial

AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a brief smoking cessation intervention in head and neck cancer patients (HNCP). Study designA prospective randomized controlled trial that randomly assigns participants in two groups: a usual care group (UCG), and a standardized intervention group (SIG). Material and methodsPatients with a confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and who are active smokers were prospectively approached by one of 4 trained Ear-nose-throat (ENT) residents. Participants were randomized into a UCG, and a SIG consisting of a brief perioperative smoking cessation intervention based on National Institute of Health (NIH) “5A's” model along with an informative motivational document and nicotine patch therapy (NPT) offered for 8 weeks in gradually decreasing doses. ObjectiveThe evaluation of abstinence at 3, 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Results56 subjects were randomized into the UCG (N = 29, 52%), and the SIG (N = 27, 48%). The overall smoking cessation rates were not statistically different between the two groups; we observed at 3 months cessation rates of 57.1% vs. 57.7% (p = 0.96); at 6 months, 42.9% vs. 24% (p = 0.148); and at 12 months, 33.3% vs. 20.8% (p = 0.318), for the UCG and the SIG respectively. ConclusionThis study failed to show the effectiveness of a combined brief smoking cessation approach led by and ENT resident in HNSCC patients. A multifaceted approach addressing different pharmacological treatments, factors contributing to smoking maintenance, mainly alcohol dependence and mood disturbances and dealing with relapse risks through close face-to-face or phone call follow-ups may have better outcomes and should be evaluated in upcoming trials.

Surgical smoke and the anesthesia provider.

Surgical smoke generated by use of electrosurgical units (ESUs), lasers, and ultrasonic scalpels constitutes a physical, chemical, and biological hazard for anesthesia personnel. Inhalation of particulate matter with inflammatory consequences, pulmonary injury from products of tissue pyrolysis, exposure to mutagens and carcinogens, and the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and possibly other pathogens represent a spectrum of adverse effects associated with the occupational exposure to surgical plume. While adequate operating room ventilation and use of high filtration-efficiency masks offer some protection from these conditions, the most effective method of safeguarding against surgical smoke involves its removal with a dedicated smoke evacuation device (SED). Despite the fact that many professional and governmental agencies have endorsed widespread usage of SEDs, anesthesia providers have been largely silent on this subject, with few reports within the field of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine regarding these hazards. SED use is relatively infrequent in most surgeries, and this condition reflects surgeons' reluctance to employ these devices, likely resulting from lack of education and less than optimal technology. Anesthesia societies and academic centers can serve critical roles in advocating employment of SEDs in much the same way that they have supported perioperative smoking cessation.

Smoking cessation prior to gynecological surgery-A registry-based randomized trial.

Smoking cessation, both pre- and postoperatively, is important to reduce complications associated with surgery. Identifying feasible and effective means of alerting the patient before surgery to the importance of perioperative smoking cessation is a challenge to healthcare systems. A randomized registry-based trial using the web-version of the Swedish national quality register for gynecological surgery, GynOp, was performed (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03942146). Current smokers scheduled for gynecological surgery were randomly assigned before surgery to group 1 (control group, no specific information), group 2 (web-based written information), group 3 (information to doctor that the woman was a smoker and should be recommended smoking cessation or group 4 (a combination of groups 2 and 3). Perioperative smoking habits were evaluated in a postoperative questionnaire 2 months after surgery. The treatment effect was estimated to be a 15% reduction in the number of smokers at the time of surgery. Thus, 94 women in each group were required, in total 376 women, using a one-sided test with an alpha level of 0.001 and a statistical power of 80%. Participants (n = 1427) were recruited between 5 November 2015 and 6 December 2017. A total of 1137 smokers responded to the follow-up questionnaire (80%), with 486 women declining to participate, leaving 651 women eligible for analysis. Women who received both web-based information prior to surgery and information from a doctor, reported smoking cessation more often from 1 to 3 weeks preoperatively (Odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-3.3) and 1 to 3 weeks after surgery (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3) compared with the control group who received no specific information. A combination of written information in the health declaration and a recommendation from a doctor regarding smoking cessation may be associated with higher odds of smoking cessation at 1-3 weeks pre- and postoperatively.

A Systematic Approach to Perioperative Smoking Cessation

Background: There is compelling evidence that smoking leads to poor postoperative outcomes including increased incidence of wound infection, respiratory infection, sepsis, cardiac arrest, and mortality. There is also compelling evidence that smoking cessation before surgery leads to improved outcomes. A recent meta-analysis found that brief smoking interventions may be insufficient to change postoperative outcomes. However, more intensive evidence-based smoking cessation interventions do improve postoperative outcomes and lead to long-term smoking abstinence. From a healthcare perspective, this raises a question of how to best provide effective perioperative smoking cessation treatment to a population. Methods: Duke University Health System recently developed a systematic approach to perioperative smoking cessation. In this report, we outline evidence-based principles for perioperative smoking cessation and describe initial results from a perioperative smoking cessation program. Results: In the first 100 days of the Duke Perioperative Smoking Cessation Program, we received 420 referrals. Participants had a mean pack-year history of 50.3 (packs/day×years smoking; SD 32.5), a mean Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score of 4.5 (SD 2.5), and a mean expired breath carbon monoxide of 11.8 (SD 7.5) parts per million. Mean days from initial perioperative smoking cessation visit to surgery was 21.4 (SD 22.3). Discussion: This model of perioperative smoking cessation is in the early stages of development; however, evidence-based perioperative smoking cessation services can be effective across a health system.

Improving Surgical Outcomes and Patient Health: Perioperative Smoking Cessation Interventions

This review is aimed at discussing the evidence for perioperative smoking cessation interventions and at describing the components of an effective, multimodal smoking cessation intervention. The increased risks associated with smoking around the time of surgery are well established. There is strong evidence for the benefits of perioperative smoking cessation interventions, which include increasing smoking abstinence and decreasing surgical complications. Interventions should aim to start at least 4 weeks preoperatively and provide ongoing support; however, starting any time before or after surgery is beneficial. Collaboration between multiple healthcare providers is important. Accessible patient education tools and appropriate pharmacotherapy are useful adjuvants. Perioperative smoking cessation interventions have proven benefits and should be implemented. This review describes and provides evidence for the various components of a multimodal perioperative smoking cessation program.

Post-Operative Complications and Readmissions Associated with Smoking Following Bariatric Surgery

BackgroundThe link between smoking and poor postoperative outcomes is well established. Despite this, current smokers are still offered bariatric surgery. We describe the risk of postoperative 30-day complications and readmission following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass in smokers. MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y gastric bypass from 2012 to 2017. Patient outcomes were compared based on smoking status. Primary outcomes included 30-day readmission and death or serious morbidity. Secondary outcomes included wound and respiratory complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between smoking status and measured outcomes. ResultsOf the 133,417 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, 12,424 (9.3%) were smokers. Smokers more frequently experienced readmission (4.9% v 4.1%, p < 0.001), death or serious morbidity (3.8% v 3.4%, p = 0.019), wound complications (2% v 1.4%, p < 0.001), and respiratory complications (0.8% v 0.5%, p < 0.001). The likelihood of death or serious morbidity (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26), readmission (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.33), wound (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.24–1.68), and respiratory complications (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34–2.14) were greater in smokers. The adjusted ORs remained significant on subgroup analysis of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y gastric bypass patients, with the exception of death or serious morbidity in laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89–1.24). ConclusionsSmokers undergoing bariatric surgery experience significantly worse 30-day outcomes when compared with non-smokers. There should be a continued emphasis on perioperative smoking cessation for patients being evaluated for bariatric surgery.

Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) Consensus Statement on Perioperative Smoking Cessation.

Smokers are at increased risk for surgical complications. Despite the known benefits of smoking cessation, many perioperative health care providers do not routinely provide smoking cessation interventions. The variation in delivery of perioperative smoking cessation interventions may be due to limited high-level evidence for whether smoking cessation interventions used in the general population are effective and feasible in the surgical population, as well as the challenges and barriers to implementation of interventions. Yet smoking is a potentially modifiable risk factor for improving short- and long-term patient outcomes. The purpose of the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) Consensus Statement on Perioperative Smoking Cessation is to present recommendations based on current scientific evidence in surgical patients. These statements address questions regarding the timing and intensity of interventions, roles of perioperative health care providers, and behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Barriers and strategies to overcome challenges surrounding implementation of interventions and future areas of research are identified. These statements are based on the current state of knowledge and its interpretation by a multidisciplinary group of experts at the time of publication.

Implementing a Multifaceted Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention in a Large Healthcare System.

Implementing a Multifaceted Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention in a Large Healthcare System.