Quit smoking before surgery to cut complications, study finds

This study looked at whether a structured smoking cessation program starting four weeks before surgery could reduce complications in smokers undergoing intermediate to high-risk operations. Researchers planned to enroll 251 adult smokers scheduled for surgeries like abdominal, thoracic, or cancer-related procedures. The program included counseling and support, compared to just giving advice. The goal was to see if quitting or reducing smoking before surgery leads to fewer post-surgery problems and shorter hospital stays.