General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
As soon as surgery is planned, tell the team whether you smoke or are in the process of stopping. HAS recommends routinely checking tobacco use before an operation. This discussion addresses risks and useful support while preparing your surgical care.
Smoking slows wound healing and increases complications after surgery, including infection or a blood clot in a vein. Assurance Maladie lists these risks in its smoking information. Ask the team what they mean for your operation and why the subject is raised before the hospital stay.
Stopping smoking before surgery reduces risks around the operation. Prepare this with the team once the date is known so you can clarify timing and support. The HAS recommendations call for offering help to stop from your usual doctor or another trained professional.
Coordination with your usual doctor also matters. HAS recommends that the information letter sent to that doctor includes smoking status. Clarify how the teams will share this information and report any change in your smoking or plan to stop since the first appointment.
During a hospital stay, tobacco use is also checked and documented at admission. Tell the team if the situation has changed since preparation for surgery. Ask how support will be organised during the stay and whom to contact if stopping becomes difficult.
Follow-up can continue after the hospital stay. HAS recommends arranging support after hospital to maintain stopping, particularly with your usual doctor. If hospital allowed you to stop temporarily, discuss the next stage before returning home: whom to see and how to access everyday support.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.