Surgery and Smoking
Surgery, whether elective or required is something many will face at some point in their lives. Surgery is complicated and can have many side effects. Often the consent forms are numerous pages listing everything which could go wrong. Surgery is complicated enough without the added risks of smoking.
Certain protocols must be followed to insure the patient’s safety during surgery. Patients are often told food or water twelve hours before and to take a shower to minimize the risk of infection. For smokers there are other requirements. Many are instructed to cease smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after. Some surgeons may even ask the patient for as long as four weeks before and after the surgery to avoid as many complications as possible.
According to Anesthesiologyinfo.com, smoking has many seriously concerning risks which can occur during surgery. Smoking increases carbon monoxide which attaches itself to hemoglobin in the blood, decreasing the amount of oxygen getting through the body. The nicotine will make the body need more oxygen which will put stress on the heart, lungs and body which is already under distress from the anesthesia. The heart will not function properly because of the increased carbon monoxide causing the blood to no circulate as it should.
With surgery, the body is under stress and therefore prone to infections, especially lung infections. However if you are a smoker, the lungs are even more susceptible to collapse. The small airways do not function as they should because of smoke and nicotine which makes them collapse. Mucus production increases because of smoking and the lungs are not able to clear it as quickly as they should because of anesthesia, making the patient more prone to serious lung infections such as pneumonia and chronic coughing. Bronchospsams and other infections in the lungs can be fatal and should be taken seriously. Smoking has been linked to dozens of other side effects, ranging from heart attacks to poor wound healing by as many as six times more in smokers versus non smokers.
Doctors want their patients to lead a healthier life and have a successful surgery, so generally surgeons and physicians ask their patients to quit for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Many surgeons have asked for as many as four weeks before and after to insure their patients are fit for surgery. However, ideally physicians and surgeons want their patients to make smoking secession a top priority.
Over the years, quitting has become easier. This is mainly attributed to more easily available treatments. Some of the most common treatments are found over the counter, such as the nicotine patch and gum. Some patients choose to try homeopathic treatments such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and hypnosis. Prescription drugs such as Zyban and Wellbutrin have gained popularity as well. Often treatments are combined so the patient can be as successful as possible.
The most important thing to do is talk with your physician to discuss your options and find out which plan will suit you best. Since there are many choices and options available to help you quit, there can be no more excuses. Do not wait until you need major surgery before trying to quit, quit before you get there.