Why Does My Spine Surgeon Want Me To Quit Smoking?

Smoking can not only have a detrimental effect on your overall health but can also significantly impact the success of your spinal surgery.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, helps his patients understand the effects of smoking on postoperative surgical outcomes with the goals of optimizing your recovery and long-term spinal health. Call his practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn how we can help address your spine problem today.

INCREASED RISK OF COMPLICATIONS
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of complications both during and after spine surgery. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes can impair circulation, delay wound healing, and compromise the body’s ability to fight infection. Common complications associated with smoking during spine surgery may include:

• Increased risk of surgical site infection
• Delayed wound healing and wound complications
• Impaired fusion rates in spinal fusion surgery
• Higher rates of hardware failure and revision surgery
• Prolonged recovery time and extended hospital stays

IMPAIRED BONE HEALING
Smoking can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes, particularly bone healing, which is critical for the success of spine surgery. Nicotine and other toxins in cigarettes can disrupt blood flow to the bones, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for bone regeneration and fusion. As a result, smokers may experience:

• Delayed or incomplete fusion of spinal vertebrae
• Higher rates of pseudoarthrosis (non-union) or failed fusion
• Increased risk of hardware loosening or breakage

COMPROMISED RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Smoking can also compromise respiratory function, which can be especially problematic during and after spine surgery. Anesthesia can further stress the respiratory system, making it more challenging for smokers to recover safely. Smoking-related respiratory issues may include:

• Reduced lung function/capacity
• Increased risk of pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis
• Prolonged recovery from anesthesia

INCREASED RECOVERY TIME/DECREASED OUTCOMES
Smokers may experience longer recovery times and poorer outcomes compared to non-smokers following spine surgery. The detrimental effects of smoking on wound healing, bone fusion, and overall health can prolong the recovery process, increase the risk of complications, and diminish the long-term success of surgical interventions. Additionally, smokers may experience higher rates of chronic pain, disability, and dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes.

IMPORTANCE OF SMOKING CESSATION
Given the adverse effects of smoking on spine surgery, smoking cessation is paramount for optimizing surgical outcomes and promoting successful recovery. Quitting smoking before surgery and maintaining abstinence throughout the perioperative period can significantly reduce the risk of complications, enhance wound healing, and improve the chances of successful bone fusion and long-term spinal health.

Smoking has profound effects on the outcomes of spine surgery, increasing the risk of complications, impairing bone healing, compromising respiratory function, and prolonging recovery times. Smoking cessation before spine surgery is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes, reducing the risk of complications, and promoting successful recovery and long-term spinal health. If you are considering spine surgery and smoke, talk to Dr. Brandon A. Ortega about smoking cessation strategies and resources to support you on your journey toward a smoke-free lifestyle.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to discuss how you can take an important step toward achieving the best possible outcomes after your spine surgery while more importantly, improving your overall health.