Delay elective surgery on regular smokers, says WHO

Smokers who quit at least one month before their surgery, had improved outcomes in wound healing and heart function. — AFP

Patients who stop smoking at least four weeks before an operation significantly reduce the risk of having postsurgical complications because their blood flow improves, according to a study published on Jan 20, 2020.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) study argued that minor or non-essential operations on regular smokers could be delayed to give them time to quit and thereby improve outcomes such as wound healing and heart function.