Impact of Smoking Cessation Duration on Postoperative Complications in Lung Cancer Surgery


Çelik B., İşevi C., Pirzirenli M. G., Canatan F. B., Büyükkarabacak Y.

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH, vol.324, pp.200-209, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 324
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.05.005
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), BIOSIS, EMBASE
  • Page Numbers: pp.200-209
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction

This study evaluated the effect of preoperative smoking cessation duration on postoperative complications after lung cancer surgery.

Materials and methods

In this single-center prospective cohort study, 156 patients undergoing surgery for non–small cell lung cancer between June 2023 and June 2025 were stratified by preoperative smoking cessation duration. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

Results

Overall complications occurred in 62 (39.7%) patients, and PPCs occurred in 52 (33.3%). Smoking cessation longer than 8 wk preoperatively was independently associated with a lower risk of PPC compared with cessation for less than 4 wk (odds ratio: 0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.99). Subgroup analysis of the 1-8 wk window identified 8 wk as a critical clinical inflection point for PPC with 96.55% specificity. Notably, preoperative smoking cessation duration did not significantly affect the incidence of nonrespiratory complications. Smoking burden, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and receipt of neoadjuvant therapy were additional independent risk factors for PPC.

Conclusions

Preoperative smoking cessation of at least 8 wk significantly reduces PPCs in non–small cell lung cancer surgery, whereas its impact on nonrespiratory outcomes remains limited.