Stop Smoking and Vaping For a Safer Surgery

We all know that smoking and vaping are bad for us. These actions cause cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many other dangerous and even life-threatening health conditions.

But did you know that smoking/vaping also increases your risk of anesthesia and surgical complications?

This is because both behaviours negatively impact your respiratory and cardiac systems, increase your risk of infection and delay surgical healing. 

For these reasons, we highly encourage all smokers/vapers to try to quit, and at minimum, “fast” from cigarettes, cigars and vapes before surgery to increase the odds of a safer and smoother procedure and recovery.

 Additionally, note that:  

• Smoking and vaping are not allowed in hospitals or on hospital grounds, making smoking challenging, if not impossible.

• The break in routine that surgery provides can help you succeed in quitting for good. 

• Withdrawal symptoms can be successfully managed in the hospital, where there is additional support. 

• Ready to quit? Then keep reading and speak with your health-care team for more support.  

A special thanks to Dr. Andrew Pipe, from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, for helping to update this section and to Dr. John Oyston, who authored its original version. You can read his personal statement here.