The American Cancer Society's 35th annual Great American Smokeout took place on Nov. 17, but any day is a good day to recommend that your patients quit smoking before undergoing surgery.
Smokers have an increased chance of intra- and post-operative complications, including wound infections, pneumonia and heart attacks. The earlier a surgical patient kicks the habit before their procedure, the less their risk.
Smoking can adversely affect surgical outcomes, and healthcare providers should stress to patients who smoke that staying off cigarettes for as long as possible before and after surgery decreases the likelihood of the above-mentioned complications occurring.
Also, remind patients that many others have found surgery to be an excellent opportunity to quit for good, because many patients don't have cravings while in a surgical setting. Mention that their chances of successfully quitting are almost doubled if attempted around the time of surgery.
On its "Lifeline to Modern Medicine" website, the American Society of Anesthesiologists offers resources to help educate patients on this respiratory issue and help them stamp out cigarettes before surgery.
Mark McGraw
