Enhanced Smoking Cessation Support Urgently Needed for Surgical Patients Across Europe, Experts Warn

A recent comprehensive study highlights the significant health benefits of quitting smoking before undergoing elective surgery. The research reveals that smokers and recent ex-smokers are at a higher risk of postoperative complications, leading to longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 patients across 442 hospitals in 29 European countries, focusing on the impact of smoking status on surgical outcomes.

Findings indicate that nearly 19.5% of patients scheduled for elective procedures are current smokers, with higher prevalence among younger adults aged 18–40 years (26.8%) and males (22.1%). Interestingly, healthier adults without long-term health conditions also exhibited elevated smoking rates at 24.6%. Patients who had quit smoking within six weeks to a year before surgery still faced increased risks of complications than those who had never smoked.

Lead researcher Dr. Sivesh Kamarajah from the University of Birmingham emphasized the importance of integrating smoking cessation programs into pre-surgical care. He pointed out that smokers tend to have more adverse outcomes post-surgery, which can substantially burden healthcare systems like the NHS. Implementing targeted cessation support could improve immediate surgical results and foster better long-term health outcomes.

Despite existing guidelines recommending smoking cessation at least six weeks prior to surgery, current practices are based on data over a decade old. The study authors advocate for stronger, more current strategies to promote quitting well before elective procedures, which could lead to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and overall better healthcare efficiency.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death globally, accounting for approximately 10% of all deaths and millions of years of life lost annually. Europe continues to have the highest smoking prevalence, with 36% of men and 20% of women actively smoking. The healthcare window in elective surgery provides a critical opportunity for preventive interventions like smoking cessation, which could significantly reduce postoperative risks.

This groundbreaking research underscores the necessity for healthcare systems across Europe to prioritize smoking cessation, especially among surgical candidates, to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the economic and social burden of smoking-related complications.

For more details, see the original study: [Kamarajah et al., The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, 2025].

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-cessation-surgery-patients-europe-experts.html