Pathophysiology of perioperative abstinence from cigarettes and smoking cessation intervention by anesthesiologists

Abstract

Background All smokers undergoing surgery experience at least some period of forced abstinence from cigarettes. Anesthesiologists play a very important role in perioperative management, but little is known about the pathophysiological changes caused by forced abstinence from cigarettes and factors affecting abstinence from cigarettes in perioperative period. Objective To improve the levels of anesthesia management and the outcomes of smoking patients during perioperative period. Content Short-term (from hours to weeks)and long-term smoking cessation related pathophysiological changes, especially those closely related with postoperative outcomes were reviewed. In addition, the factors affecting smoking cessation and the roles and practice of anesthesiologist in perioperative tobacco interventions were also discussed. Trend Smoking cessation needs to be further explored in future clinical studies to better help patients abstain from perioperative and long-term smoking and reduce anesthesia related complications. Key words: Perioperative period; Smoking cessation; Pathophysiology; Anesthesia