You've heard all the
warnings about smoking and using tobacco. You know that it increases your risk
for almost every kind of cancer, as well as heart disease and a host of other
illnesses.
But you may not know that smoking can reduce your chances of having a successful outcome from surgery. And some doctors insist that you kick the habit before they'll operate.
For Gary Schopen, a tobacco chewer desperate for pain relief, surgery for a spinal fusion will have to wait until he's no longer using tobacco.
Dr. Eric Phillips, orthopaedic surgeon at the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute, insists that his surgery patients be tobacco free before having their procedure.
"Nicotine is a culprit that keeps the back from healing," says Dr. Phillips. "The success rate for spinal fusions is 88% for non-smokers, compared to 60% or less for tobacco users," he adds. And that's reason enough for Dr. Phillips to insist his patients give themselves the best chance for a successful outcome.
Sandy Barta, R.N., quality care manager, says that when considering surgery, smoking should be considered just as seriously as other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Gary is now nicotine free, and is scheduled for surgery in February - but he'll have to pass a blood test first to confirm it.
Find out how Alegent Health can help you find
realistic and practical ways to stop smoking, or
