During the Great American Smokeout, Remember There’s Value in Stopping Smoking Before Surgery

Newswise — The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) strongly supports the Great American Smokeout because smoking can negatively impact surgical outcomes. In order to have the best possible results, it is important for patients to stay off cigarettes for as long as they can before and after surgery. Quitting smoking helps surgical patients reduce the chance of having problems like a wound infection after surgery. Many patients also find surgery to be an excellent opportunity to quit smoking for good because most do not have cravings for cigarettes while in the hospital. Chances of successfully quitting are almost doubled if attempted around the time of surgery. ASA can provide reporters with anesthesiologist spokespeople as well as patients who were able to quit before surgery. To learn more about smoking cessation, please visit http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/Anesthesia-Topics/Stop-Smoking-for-Surgery.aspx.