Smoking increases postoperative complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

A study analyzing 694 patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma revealed that smokers faced significantly higher rates of major complications and 30-day mortality compared to non-smokers. Major morbidity rates reached 37% among smokers versus 23% for non-smokers. Active smokers experienced more severe pulmonary issues and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Long-term survival rates were similar across all groups, indicating that while immediate risks are higher for smokers, their impact on survival remains ambiguous.