If a smoker is scheduled for surgery, many surgeons have one common request – quit smoking.
How does smoking affect people having surgery?
Research shows that compared to nonsmokers, smokers are at higher risk of surgery-related complications, which include heart attack, stroke, shock, and even death.
Smokers are also more prone to infection. Smoking can affect the blood flow to your surgical site, which can delay healing and increase your chance of infection.
Aside from cardiovascular issues and infection, smoking can also complicate anesthesia. During surgery, the anesthesiologist has to work harder to keep the smoker breathing while under anesthesia. To do this, some end up using bronchodilator medications to help open up the airways.
How does quitting smoking help surgical outcomes?
The physicians of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland want you to know that quitting smoking even days before surgery has shown to make a significant difference. It allows the body to bring more oxygen to the cells, improves the blood flow, and boosts the body’s defense, reducing one’s chance of infection.
Quitting smoking a month before surgery provides the most benefits. In one study, it shows that those who quit a month before their scheduled procedure had no more complications than patients who never smoked.
How to get started with quitting?
If you are a smoker and scheduled for surgery, your surgeon may refer you to a smoking cessation program. These programs have a systematic way of helping you break the habit.
Our smoking patients at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland should be aware that smoking and surgery aren’t a good mix. If you have questions or would like to request an appointment with one of our surgeons, visit our Appointment Request page at https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/
References:
https://www.pinnaclehealth.org/wellness-library/blog-and-healthwise/blog-home/post/four-reasons-you-should-quit-smoking-before-surgery