Multiple studies have shown that smoking tobacco is hazardous for your health. In fact, it is still the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Smoking increases your chance of developing cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and lungs. It also increases the risk of getting heart disease and emphysema.
Smoking is a risk to your health in general, but it is also considered a serious surgical risk factor. When it comes to undergoing a surgical procedure , smoking can put a patient at a higher risk for experiencing dangerous blood clots or ulcers post procedure – and these are only to list a few.
Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Surgery
Research shows that there is a higher risk of surgery-related complications among surgery candidates who have a history or are actively smoking. Compared to non-smokers, they are at higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism, respiratory complications, and delayed wound healing.
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism is a combination of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In one study, researchers found out that those who smoke have 23 percent increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism compared to non-smokers. The study further shows that the more packs of cigarette a person consumed in a day, the higher is his/her risk of venous thromboembolism.
Respiratory Complications
Tobacco smoking is shown to disrupt the lung function and breathing capacity of a person. There is a link between smoking and respiratory-related complications after surgery. A study shows that patients who smoke after surgery are at higher risk of developing pneumonia.
Delayed Wound Healing
Tobacco smoking can affect the speed of recovery. Some of the toxic contents of a cigarette which include nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide can delay wound healing as it reduces the amount of nutritional blood flow to the operated site. They diminish oxygen transport and enzyme metabolism which are vital for wound healing.
Quit Smoking for a Healthy Recovery
When scheduled for a surgery, you will be meeting your surgeon where you’ll discuss about the necessary preparations. If you’re smoking, you may be advised to quit the habit prior to your surgery and during recovery. This is to prevent surgery-related complications and to ensure healthy and speedy recovery after it.
At Premier Surgical in Knoxville, we want to ensure our patients’ safety all throughout the surgical process. We help them prepare for their surgery through careful assessment of their lifestyle including their smoking habit. Our team can provide tips on how to effectively quit smoking before you undergo surgery.