Reply #25: For all those who didn't bother to read the linked article....

[Bridget Burke]

1. This only involves "elective" surgery--hip replacement, etc.

2. Patients will be given help to quit smoking.

From a study in 2002:

Smokers should abstain from the habit for at least six weeks before surgery to reduce the risk complications, a study suggests.

Tobacco smoke has a damaging effect on the heart, lungs and immune system. Smoking is a risk factor for wound infection and cardiopulmonary complications in almost any type of surgery....

They (the study) found that smokers who were given help to quit or reduce their habit were much less likely to suffer complications (18%) than those who were given no help to cut back (52%).

They were six times less likely to suffer from problems with wound healing, and on average were kept in hospital for two days less than those who were not helped.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1753016.stm

Of course, simply posting a link with a misleading headline guarantees flame bait.