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Operations and smoking

What you need to know

Stopping smoking brings immediate health benefits and reduces the need for intensive care after an operation.

Smokers need more anaesthesia during surgery which can increase recovery time and the chance of complications on waking and during recovery.

Smokers have a higher risk of developing chest infections after surgery as smoking damages the cilia (little hairs) that help to clean mucus out of their lungs.

“The good news is that quitting or cutting down, even shortly, before surgery can reduce length of stay in hospital and reduce your risk of developing complications, improve wound healing and lung function.”

- Dr Kate Wood, Medical Director, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust

Why now is the time to stop smoking

Significantly reduce the risk of complications. You will allow your body to heal better, experience less pain and reduce the risk of suffering infection. Even if you can only manage to give up for a short time before your operation, this will help you to recover more quickly.

Protect your loved ones. Those who care about you will want you to make the best possible recovery.

Leave hospital healthier, and sooner. Those who don’t smoke are more likely to leave hospital sooner due to reduced recovery time.

Support from family, friends, and health professionals can make a big difference for people who are quitting smoking. Read about the experiences of others who have become smokefree and how they did it.

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