Quit smoking before surgery
Quitting smoking before surgery helps you heal quicker and reduces your risk of complications during and after surgery.
If you are having surgery at a WA public hospital, try to plan your quit attempt at least 4 weeks before surgery to achieve the best surgical results and to be ready for the hospital’s smoke free environment.
Why quit smoking before surgery?
Chemicals in tobacco smoke make your blood thicker and destroy cilia (tiny hairs on the surface of cells) in your lungs which help keep your lungs clear. Smoking also increases the amount of mucus in your lungs and narrows your airways, making you feel breathless.
Chemicals in tobacco also interfere with how certain drugs break down in your body. Many surgical procedures require you to have an anaesthetic drug which can put your body under stress. Quitting smoking can improve your body’s ability to cope with the stress this may cause.
Quitting before surgery can also improve:
- wound healing
- breathing during (and after) surgery
- amount of oxygen in your blood for your heart and body
- response to anaesthetic and pain-relieving medication
- recovery time and length of hospital stay.
Quitting before surgery reduces the risk of blood clots, infections and other serious complications.
You’ll notice the physical benefits of quitting smoking within 12 hours. The good news doesn’t end there, quitting smoking also means saving money and preventing harm to those around you.
How to quit and stay smoke free?
Keep your doctor and surgeon informed about your smoking and when you have quit – it may affect your treatment before and after surgery. This includes consulting with them if you wish to use prescription quitting medications or Nicotine Replacement Therapy products to quit. Pharmacists can also provide information on options for Nicotine Replacement Therapy and advise on products that are suited to your lifestyle and dependence level.
It’s also important to let your anaesthetist know if you smoke or vape and discuss your options before surgery.
Where to get help
Quitline
Quitline is a confidential telephone support service staffed by trained counsellors who can provide encouragement and strategies to help you quit smoking or vaping. Aboriginal Quitline counsellors are also available to support Aboriginal peoples.
Acknowledgements
Chronic Disease Prevention Directorate
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.