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Tobacco smoking and dermatologic surgery
Jing F Gill1, Siegrid S Yu, Isaac M Neuhaus
1Department of Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 30, 2012
Summary
Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications after dermatologic surgery, including poor wound healing and infections. Evidence-based recommendations support smoking cessation before these procedures to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and a significant public health issue.
- While nicotine's effects on wound healing are studied, limited data exist in dermatologic surgery.
- Tobacco use impacts surgical outcomes, necessitating a review of its effects in dermatologic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based recommendations for managing tobacco use in patients undergoing dermatologic surgery.
- To synthesize current literature on the impact of tobacco on dermatologic surgery outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of published English-language literature was conducted.
- The review focused on studies examining the effects of tobacco on wound healing and surgical complications.
Main Results:
- Tobacco use is linked to increased postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence, flap/graft necrosis, delayed healing, and infections.
- These findings highlight the detrimental effects of smoking on surgical recovery.
Conclusions:
- Recommendations for smoking cessation prior to dermatologic surgery are provided.
- This review synthesizes existing evidence to guide clinical practice and improve patient safety.
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