Review: Long-term effect of perioperative smoking cessation programmes

Abstract

Background  Preoperative smoking cessation programmes have been reviewed recently regarding the immediate effect on postoperative complications and smoking habits. The objective of this review was therefore to evaluate long-term effects of perioperative smoking cessation programmes.

Methods  PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL databases were searched for randomised clinical trials on perioperative smoking cessation intervention programmes that included follow-up for smoking. The literature was evaluated and data were extracted from the included papers. The review involved meta-analyses.

Results  The 10 included RCTs were presented in 12 papers and communications, involving 1,369 patients. Only 5 RCTs had a follow up of 12 months. The RR in the perioperative period was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.65 to 2.18), and after 12 months 1.57 (1.09 to 2.26). The subgroup analyses of the intensive 6-8 weeks programmes revealed a high RR of 5.89 (3.49 to 9.93).

Conclusion  Smoking cessation intervention programmes were effective on short and long-term. The intensive programmes of six to eight weeks duration seemed to be most effective.