From the Journals

Is Smoking a Surgical Risk Multiplier?

A study of nearly 700 patients found that smokers undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer experienced significantly more complications, including higher rates of pneumonia and respiratory distress, than nonsmokers—though smoking did not independently impact long-term survival.

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  • 1

    Study focused on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing surgery

  • 2

    Smokers had higher rates of major postoperative complications, particularly pulmonary issues

  • 3

    Active smokers had significantly higher 30-day mortality rates compared to former smokers

  • 4

    Smoking did not independently impact long-term outcomes when other clinical factors were considered

  • 5

    Lack of data on smoking behavior after surgery was a key limitation

  • 6

    Previous studies have shown that quitting smoking following a cancer diagnosis may improve survival

  • 7

    Smoking cessation remains crucial in preoperative care for these patients

Original Source(s)

Is Smoking a Surgical Risk Multiplier?

A study of nearly 700 patients found that smokers undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer experienced significantly more complications, including higher rates of pneumonia and respiratory distress, than nonsmokers—though smoking did not independently impact long-term survival.

  • by Stanley Gajete

  • June 23, 2025

  • 3 min

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