San Jose, CA
A 32-year-old female asked:
I stopped smoking tobacco for 6 months then when i got a huge surgery date way faster then expected i broke and smoked 2 cigs they do a nicotine test?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Unlikely: It is unlikely that you would be tested for nicotine prior to a surgical procedure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
261 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ralph Boling commented
Obstetrics and Gynecology 41 years experience
check with your doctor to be sure, as elective surgery could be delayed
Oct 21, 2018
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Be aware: One of the many reasons surgeons don't want to do elective surgery on smokers is they don't heal well=more complications. Nicotine strangles the capillaries that are needed for tissue to regrow/heal after surgery. It is unlikely they would test you before surgery, but this is something you need to be aware of. If you want to heal, do not take up smoking any time in the post operative period.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
260 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 21, 2018
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