Intersection of Smoking, E-Cigarette Use, Obesity, and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Evidence
Nithila Srikanth, Luyu Xie, Elisa Morales-Marroquin, Amos Ofori, Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, Sarah E. Messiah
- Smoking significantly increases risk of complications after bariatric surgery, including leaks, ulcers, blood clots, and poor wound healing, which is why programs require quitting before surgery.
- E-cigarette and vaping safety in the perioperative period is still limited; vaping should not be assumed safe.
- Smoking cessation requirements can create barriers to surgical access, raising equity questions.
- This is part of a comprehensive research program on substance use and bariatric surgery outcomes.
- This provides clear evidence that quitting is essential for safe surgery and best outcomes.
This systematic review published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases examined the intersection of smoking, e-cigarette use, obesity, and metabolic and bariatric surgery, synthesizing evidence on how tobacco and nicotine use affect surgical candidacy, perioperative risk, and long-term outcomes. Key findings include that smoking is associated with increased perioperative complications including anastomotic leaks, marginal ulcers, and impaired wound healing. Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz is a co-author.
Srikanth N, Xie L, Morales-Marroquin E, Ofori A, de la Cruz-Muñoz N, Messiah SE. Intersection of Smoking, E-Cigarette Use, Obesity, and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Evidence. Journal of Addictive Diseases. 2021. doi:10.1080/10550887.2021.1874817. PMID: 33543677.
