Will Smoking Affect My Surgery?

Post Journal
29 January 2009

Question: I have been a smoker for many years. I am considering elective knee replacement surgery. My surgeon has suggested I quit smoking before the operation.

What does my smoking have to do with a knee replacement procedure?

Answer: Smoking has many adverse affects that most people are not aware of. The reality is that your smoking habit will have a significant impact on the surgery and your healing time.

Your immune system is less effective if you are a smoker. Scar tissue tends to form more readily in a smoker. The chance of complications from scar tissue and infection are increased.

Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood that is so important for healing tissue. We are exposed to germs every day. A healthy immune system is able to fight off dangerous germs effectively. When we smoke, our immune system is compromised and after surgery this can lead to increased chance of infection.


Book Your Stop Smoking Appointment Now

Reference link: http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/522149.html