Smoking Increases Surgical Risk

A recent study performed and published by Dr. Matsen Ko and her colleagues in a leading orthopedic journal, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrated the potential adverse effects that smoking can have on the outcome of elective joint replacement surgery.  In their conclusions, the authors noted that:

"current smokers have a significantly increased risk of reoperation for infection and that packs per decade, regardless of current smoking status, is associated with unplanned nonoperative readmission"

To read the findings of their study, click on the following link (here).

Our goal is to counsel patients on the risks of elective surgery and to do our best to mitigate them.  That is why we strongly encourage patients to stop smoking prior to elective joint surgery.  Smoking remains one of the most preventable causes of death and disease.  In additional to improving a patients overall health, it can substantially lower the risk of readmission and reoperation.