The harmful effects of tobacco in surgical procedures
Increased risks for smokers
Chronic smoking, particularly if the last cigarette was consumed recently, significantly raises the risk of complications during and after surgery. Tobacco use alters the body’s normal inflammatory response, which is crucial for healing, wound closure, and infection prevention. Common issues faced by smokers undergoing surgery include:
- Coagulation disorders: Increased bleeding, higher risk of hemorrhage, or conversely, greater chances of thrombosis or embolism.
- Higher likelihood of postoperative infections.
- Delayed wound healing.
As a result, smokers exhibit higher rates of hospital readmissions compared to non-smokers.
Delayed wound healing
The numerous toxic substances in cigarette smoke directly impact blood circulation. Reduced oxygen delivery to tissues impairs the healing of surgical incisions. Tobacco also disrupts cellular regeneration in skin tissues, severely affecting collagen production—a critical protein for tissue repair that ensures resilience and integrity.
Higher risk of postoperative infections
Studies show that smoking weakens the immune system. Already compromised by surgery and the underlying conditions necessitating the procedure, the body becomes particularly vulnerable to infections during the postoperative period. Smokers, whose immunity is further impaired by tobacco, are more prone to infections, whether at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body.
Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Surgical procedures inherently carry a risk of thromboembolic complications, such as blood circulation disorders. Among smokers, this risk is exacerbated due to tobacco’s detrimental effect on vascular health.
Smoking slows blood circulation, leading to pooling in veins and the formation of blood clots. These clots can settle in deep veins, causing phlebitis, or migrate to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. In severe cases, clots may reach the heart, causing a heart attack, or travel to the brain, triggering a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). These life-threatening complications require vigilant prevention.
Tobacco’s impact on respiratory health
Beyond increasing infection risks, smoking also compromises respiratory health. During general anesthesia, patients are intubated for mechanical ventilation to maintain oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs. Although this procedure is well-controlled, it can traumatize the respiratory tract.
Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to experience pulmonary complications because tobacco irritates the lungs and deposits harmful chemicals in the alveoli. Smokers undergoing surgery face an elevated risk of:
- Respiratory distress.
- Bronchitis.
- Postoperative pneumonia.
- Asthma exacerbation.
Quitting smoking before surgery: A healthy choice
Reducing surgical complications
Quitting smoking before surgery dramatically decreases the likelihood of complications. If cessation begins early enough, the immune system, blood circulation, and healing capacity can return to near-normal levels by the surgery date.
Quitting also lowers the risk of pulmonary issues such as bronchitis or embolism, reduces thromboembolic events, and minimizes infection risks that could prolong hospital stays and recovery times.
Reducing risks associated with anesthesia
Smoking impacts how the body metabolizes anesthesia, often requiring smokers to receive higher doses to achieve the desired effect. These increased doses can prolong recovery and elevate the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Quitting smoking enhances the body’s sensitivity to anesthesia, ensuring safer and more predictable outcomes.
Easing tobacco withdrawal stress
Medical teams typically prohibit smoking before surgery, particularly before general anesthesia. This restriction can add stress for smokers already facing anxiety about the procedure. By choosing to quit smoking beforehand, you reduce this additional burden and contribute to a smoother surgical experience.
Additional health benefits of quitting smoking
Even outside the context of surgery, quitting smoking delivers substantial health improvements, including:
- Lower cardiovascular disease risk.
- Improved blood circulation.
- Enhanced respiratory efficiency.
- Reduced cancer risk.
- Healthier skin and hair.
- Restored senses of taste and smell.
- Better oral health, which is crucial for surgical preparation.
- Protection for loved ones from secondhand smoke exposure.
Smoking after surgery: A poor choice
Smoking after surgery hampers healing by reducing the oxygen and nutrients delivered to tissues—essential components of recovery. Postoperative smoking delays wound healing and increases complications, such as:
- Infections.
- Respiratory problems.
- Pulmonary embolism or phlebitis.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Abnormal wound healing.
- Prolonged hospital stays.
Abstaining from smoking both before and after surgery is critical. If quitting seems difficult, seek support from healthcare professionals or proven smoking cessation methods.
Quitting smoking before surgery
Developing a smoking cessation plan
If you aim to quit smoking before surgery, follow these steps:
- Consult your doctor or an addiction specialist to evaluate your health and explore available cessation options.
- Set a specific quit date, ideally several weeks or months before surgery, to give your body time to adjust.
- Identify and address triggers for cravings to better anticipate or avoid them.
- Establish new routines to break smoking habits.
- Use stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation practices.
- Seek support from friends, family, or groups of former smokers.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
- Prioritize rest and establish good sleep habits.
laserOstop for smoking cessation
LaserOstop is a non-pharmacological approach to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings using a gentle laser to stimulate specific points on the body, particularly the outer ear. Based on acupuncture principles, this painless method alleviates nicotine dependency and withdrawal discomfort.
A typical laserOstop session lasts one hour, during which a practitioner applies the laser to targeted areas according to a precise protocol. This technique not only addresses smoking cravings but also helps manage snack-related urges. For those who relapse within 12 months, a follow-up session is provided free of charge.
LaserOstop has already helped thousands of smokers quit permanently. Book an appointment today at one of our specialized centres to quit smoking and prepare for your surgery.
Tobacco and surgery: Key takeaways
If you’re a smoker facing surgery, consider the following:
- Smoking increases the risk of severe complications during and after surgery.
- Quitting smoking improves recovery and accelerates postoperative healing.
- Wound healing is significantly better without tobacco use.
- Many effective methods are available to quit smoking before surgery.
- This may be your opportunity to join the non-smoking community!
