Stop Smoking for Surgery: The American Society of Anesthesiologists Smoking Cessation Initiative

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Stop Smoking for Surgery The American Society
of Anesthesiologists Smoking Cessation Initiative
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Why do anesthesiologists care about your smoking?

• As the heart and lung specialists in the
  operating room, anesthesiologists are responsible
  for your well-being during the operation
• Quitting smoking is one of the best things you
  can do to improve your chances of recovering from
  surgery without complications
• Anesthesiologists also care about your long-term
  health
• If you have thought about quitting for good,
  there is no better time than when you are having
  surgery

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Why Quit Smoking?

• Quitting adds 6-8 years of life to the average
  smoker
• Reduced risk of lung cancer, heart disease, etc.
• Quitting saves money
• The average pack a day smoker spends 1400 a year
  on cigarettes
• Quitting reduces the exposure of others to smoke
• Secondhand smoke kills an estimated 40,000
  Americans each year

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Most smokers have thought about quitting.

• But its tough to quit
• Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs known
• Most people who try to quit eventually succeed
  but it can take several attempts
• There are more ex-smokers in the U.S. than
  current smokers
• Often, something happens in your life that
  prompts an attempt to quit.like surgery

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Why Quit Smoking for Surgery?
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How does smoking affect anesthesia and surgery?

• The bad news Smokers have an increased chance
  of having complications during and after surgery,
  including
• Problems with healing, such as wound infections
• Lung problems, like coughing and pneumonia
• Heart problems, such as heart attacks
• The good news Quitting can decrease these risks

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How long should I quit before surgery to decrease
my risks?

• The longer, the better
• It is especially important not to smoke the day
  of surgery
• Just like you should not eat the morning of
  surgery, you also should not smoke
• Smoking also affects the recovery process, so you
  should stay off cigarettes for as long as
  possible after the operation

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Why is surgery a great time to quit smoking for
good?

• You may be more motivated to make some lifestyle
  changes as you think about your surgery
• Most people are free of cravings for cigarettes
  around the time of surgery
• You will be smoke-free in the hospital this
  gives you a great start in staying nicotine-free

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How can I get help?

• Web-based help
• www.smokefree.gov
• Insurance companies
• Blue Cross/Shield and others
• Work-based programs provided by employers
• Local tobacco treatment specialists
• Telephone Quitlines 1-800-QUITNOW

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What are Quitlines?

• Telephone Quitlines are free for everyone
• You talk with a trained expert, not a recording
• They work with you to tailor a plan that meets
  your needs
• They can call you back multiple times to provide
  support and will be there for you
• Medications to help you stop smoking may be
  available at no charge
• Can help you stay off cigarettes even if you have
  already quit

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What are Quitlines?

• You can call anytime, even after surgery
• Your privacy is protected
• There is no charge for any of their services
• One toll-free number will access the Quitline
  that is right for you

1-800-QUITNOW
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The ASA Smoking Cessation Initiative Goals

• Encourage all anesthesiologists to consistently
  support their patients' efforts to quit smoking.
• Train anesthesiologists who can serve as leaders
  in local efforts to provide tobacco control
  services in surgical practice
• Educate the public regarding the importance of
  stopping smoking for surgery
• Create partnerships with other healthcare
  professionals to promote a comprehensive strategy
  for patients who smoke

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Bottom line

• Quitting will benefit your surgery
• Surgery is also a great time to quit smoking for
  good
• Your anesthesiologist cares about your health,
  and urges you to stop smoking for your surgery
• Call a quitline today for free help
  1-800-QUITNOW