Smoking Cessation Reduces Complications After Orthopaedic Surgery, Study Suggests
A recent study has found that quitting smoking prior to orthopaedic surgery can significantly lower the risk of postoperative complications. The research, conducted by a team of scientists in Stockholm, Sweden, focused on patients with surgically treated ankle fractures and acute fractures of the lower or upper extremities. The findings revealed that smoking has detrimental effects on general health, including the outcome after surgery.
In the study, which involved over 1,000 patients, it was discovered that smokers had a 1.9 times higher risk of experiencing postoperative complications compared to non-smokers. These complications ranged from infections to delayed wound healing. The adverse effects of smoking on the complication rate were evident even after adjusting for other factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities.
To address the negative impact of smoking on surgical outcomes, the researchers introduced a smoking cessation intervention program for patients. Daily smokers with acute fractures were randomly assigned to either receive smoking cessation therapy or no intervention. The results showed that the administered therapy significantly reduced the number of postoperative complications, particularly in the first 6-12 weeks after surgery.
However, the study also revealed that the beneficial effects of smoking cessation therapy were not long-lasting. While it effectively decreased the risk of complications in the medium term, the difference diminished after one year. This suggests the importance of continuous support and follow-up for smoking cessation in the long run.
In addition to the clinical trial, the researchers analyzed data from the Swedish Twin Registry. This analysis confirmed that smokers faced a higher risk of developing complications requiring inpatient care compared to non-smokers. The study found that 14.9% of smokers experienced such complications, while the rate for non-smokers was 11.4%.
The findings from this research emphasize the significance of smoking cessation programs for patients undergoing both acute and elective orthopaedic surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons should offer intensive smoking cessation interventions, particularly in the early stages of care, to optimize postoperative outcomes and minimize complications.
The study contributes to the growing body of evidence linking smoking to adverse surgical outcomes. It highlights the urgent need for smokers to quit before undergoing orthopaedic surgery. By quitting smoking, patients can significantly reduce their risk of postoperative complications and facilitate a smoother recovery process.
As the medical community continues to recognize the detrimental effects of smoking on surgical outcomes, healthcare providers should prioritize smoking cessation programs and incorporate them into routine preoperative care. This approach can ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and a healthier population.
The study, published in an orthopaedic journal, adds to the growing understanding of the impact of smoking on surgical outcomes. It underscores the importance of providing comprehensive care to patients, recognizing that addressing modifiable risk factors such as smoking can greatly enhance their surgical experience and overall well-being.
Sources:
– [Orthopaedic Journal]
– [Swedish Twin Registry]
– [Clinical Trial Abstract]
