If you are a smoker and you’re scheduled for surgery, anesthesiologists recommend you take steps right away to quit and remain smoke-free until at least one week after your procedure. Even better, don’t start again at all. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to recover from surgery without complications.
Smokers have an increased chance of complications during and after surgery, including wound infections, pneumonia and heart attacks. The earlier you quit before surgery, the better your chances of no complications. Watch the video below for more information about smoking and anesthesia.
The time to quit is now! Here are some resources to help you on the road to becoming smoke-free before surgery:
Why & How to Quit Smoking - As the physicians who care about your health around the time of surgery , The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) offers you ways to learn more about the benefits of quitting and the resources available to support your decision to kick the habit.
Q&A: Smokers and Surgery - The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) answers your questions regarding the benefits of stopping smoking prior to surgery as well as kicking the habit for good.
ASA’s Quit Smoking Guide, download pdf - Download this patient education brochure for a friend or loved one who smokes, or reference this brochure if you want to quit.
One Patient’s Story: How Susie Quit Smoking Before Surgery - Susie’s story details the benefits of her decision to stop smoking while recognizing her own challenges with the decision.
Latest News - The Time Surrounding Pediatric Surgery Provides Excellent Opportunity to Help Parents Quit Smoking – A study published in the Journal Anesthesiology found parents often don’t quit smoking prior to a child’s surgery, despite trying. However, with help you can succeed.