“Can having been a long time smoker have an effect when I am under anesthesia?”
I have been a smoker for over 30 years, and am having surgery next week. Am I at a higher risk while under anesthesia because I have been a smoker for so long?
3 Answers
There are a number of reasons why you are under more risk as a long time smoker. The answer is yes. In order to undergo surgery safely, you should be evaluated by a physician to ensure your health is optimized.
Stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and you will have little trouble. Continue to smoke and you will be coughing nonstop in the recovery room and every time you cough, your postoperative pain will be more severe.
There are increased risks which the anesthesiologist is aware of and knows how to treat/prevent
