Smoking Increases Risk for Complications after Colorectal Surgery

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between cigarette smoking and increased risk for infectious complications, anastomotic leaks, strictures, and overall complications after colorectal surgery. Now, using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005–2010) database, researchers examined whether cigarette smoking was associated with risk for morbidity or mortality 30 days after colorectal surgery for cancer (26,333 patients), diverticular disease (14,019) or inflammatory bowel disease (7222).

All patients were categorized as never-smokers, ex-smokers, or current smokers. Results were as follows:

In univariate analyses:

• Current smokers had the highest rates of infectious complication…