Stopping smoking before your surgery “every day makes a difference”. Doctors strongly recommend patients quit smoking at least eight weeks prior to surgery.
Smokers are at increased risk of lung, heart and wound-related complications following surgery, including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Delayed wound healing
- Surgical wound infection
- Chest or lung infection (pneumonia)
- Stroke and heart attack
- Clots in your lungs or legs
- Prolonged hospital stay and a higher chance of being readmitted
Quitting reduces your risk of all these complications and improves your recovery. It also improves your overall health and adds years to your life.
Resources
Quit Smoking | iCanQuit | Quit Smoking NSW | Learn How to Quit Smoking
Smoking before surgery | iCanQuit | Effects of Smoking | Quit Smoking Before Surgery