Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for impaired postoperative wound healing process

Background. Proper postoperative wound healing is an essential and ongoing component of effective hospital care. Cigarette smoking might be one of the modifiable risk factors for impaired wound healing, which can lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. Objective. This systematic review examined existing literature on the documented impact of cigarette smoking on the incidence and types of postoperative wound-healing complications by comparing smokers with non-smokers and whether preoperative smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of these complications. Methods. A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched between June and August 2026. Studies included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort studies, and review articles published between 2000 and 2025 Results. Smoking cigarettes disrupts the functioning of our body and is associated with numerous disorders and impairs postoperative wound healing. Importantly, these adverse outcomes may be reduced through effective smoking cessation interventions. Conclusion. Smoking cessation before surgery is an important strategy for reducing postoperative complications, healthcare costs, and mortality. Preferably, smoking should be stopped at least 4–6 weeks before elective surgery and continued for 4–8 weeks postoperatively to maximize the potential benefits. Overall, quitting smoking improves surgical outcomes and can be lifesaving.