Rohit Shishodia
A new study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in association with the University of Newcastle, Australia, and the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, has found that patients who quit smoking four weeks before surgery have a lower risk of complication and better results six months afterwards.

The study pointed out that patients who quit smoking tobacco are less likely to experience complications with anesthesia as compared to regular smokers.

The WHO study has revealed that post-surgical complications, including impaired heart and lung functions, infections and delayed or impaired wound healing, can happen more to smokers than non-smokers.

Dr Vinayak Prasad, Head of Unit, No Tobacco, WHO, said that the report provides evidence that there are advantages to postponing minor or non-emergency surgery to give patients the opportunity to quit smoking that results in a better health outcome.

According to the study, cigarettes containing nicotine and carbon monoxide can decrease oxygen levels and greatly increase risk of heart-related complications after surgery.

The study found that smoking tobacco also damages the lungs making it difficult for the proper amount of air to flow through, increasing the risk of post-surgical complications to the lungs.

The study has found that smoking distorts a patient’s immune system and can delay healing and increase the risk of infection at the wound site. Smoking just one cigarette decreases the body’s ability to deliver necessary nutrients for healing after surgery.

Dr Shams Syed, Coordinator, Quality of Care, WHO, said that complications after surgery present a large burden for both the health care provider and the patient.

“Primary care physicians, surgeons, nurses and families are important in supporting a patient to quit smoking at every stage of care, especially before an operation,” he added.