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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Cost-utility analysis of smoking cessation to prevent operative complications following elective abdominal colon
Audrey S Kulaylat1, Christopher S Hollenbeak2, David I Soybel1
1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
Background:
Smoking is a known risk factor for postoperative complications after colectomy. Using the perspective of the provider, this study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation.
Methods:
A decision tree model was constructed to represent a provider's decision to provide either bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, or no cessation therapy to all patients presenting for elective colectomy. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was the primary outcome.
Results:
The base case analysis suggests that bupropion is cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of approximately $75,000 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses established ranges for which each medication might be cost-effective and dominant compared to offering no cessation therapy.
Conclusions:
From a provider perspective, offering bupropion for smoking cessation to patients scheduled for elective colon resection is cost-effective. Furthermore, these results provide benchmarks to inform providers about whether targeted, short-term smoking cessation therapies represent good value in colectomies.
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