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

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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