The Impact of the Duration of Mechanical Ventilation on the Respiratory Outcome in Smokers Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Study objective.

To determine the impact of the duration of mechanical ventilation on the rate of pulmonary complications in smokers undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 2163 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between September 1993 and August 1999. Based on a 3-month preoperative smoking cessation, patients were classified as smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. Their postoperative pulmonary complications were compared and related to the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Results:

Postoperative pulmonary complications were twice as common in smokers (29.5%) as non-smokers (13.6%) and ex-smokers (14.7%). Although smokers required a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, this was not statistically significant. Smokers had a higher rate of increase in postoperative pulmonary complications beyond 6 h of mechanical ventilation (P<0.002).

Conclusion:

Prolonged mechanical ventilation in active smokers undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with a significant increase in the respiratory morbidity. Surgical strategies that allow early extubation may improve the respiratory outcome in smokers.