Surg J R Coll Surg E
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Aug 2011
ReviewThe effects of tobacco smoking on the incidence and risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications in adults.
Despite the warnings of health hazards of cigarette smoking, still one third of the population in industrial countries smoke. This review was conducted with the aim of exploring the effects of preoperative tobacco smoking on the risk of intra- and postoperative complications and to identify the value of preoperative smoking cessation. ⋯ It is widely documented that stopping smoking before surgery has substantial health benefits in the longer term and should be recommended to every smoker in order for them to gain maximum benefit from their treatment. However, identification of the optimal period of preoperative smoking cessation on postoperative complications cannot be determined.