SMOKING SUCKS! HIDDEN EFFECTS OF SMOKING IN FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY – AN AWARENESS SURVEY OF THE MEMBERS OF BRITISH FOOT AND ANKLE SOCIETY.

Abstract

Introduction: Every ten seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies of tobacco-related causes. The adverse effects of smoking on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems have been well documented. Results of foot surgery are also gravely affected by cigarette smoking, with poorer clinical outcomes, lower rates of osteotomy union, bony fusion and higher rates of postoperative infection. However, data on surgeon’s awareness and their practices to overcome the adverse effects of smoking in elective foot surgery is limited.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to report the results of a survey of experienced foot and ankle surgeons regarding their awareness about detrimental effects of smoking and the measures they take in their practice to prevent them.

Methods: A survey of members of British Foot and Ankle Society was done to document surgeon’s awareness and attitudes towards detrimental effects of smoking in patients undergoing elective foot surgery and the measures they take to prevent these problems. Survey was returned by 104 of the 225 surgeons (47%).

Results: One hundred and two (99%) of the surgeons were aware of the damaging effects of smoking in foot and ankle surgery. Eightynine (84%) of these recorded the smoking habits of their patients in their dictated notes. However, only 9% respondent admitted recording the smoking habits of their patients in consent form and warn them about forthcoming risk of complications at the time of consenting. Only twentyfour (23%) had varying protocol’s to prevent smoking related operative complications.

Conclusions: Most of the surgeons appreciate the harmful effects of smoking. However they are unaware of the extent to which it causes problems. Majority of the members would like the society to propose a unified policy or evidence based guidelines to deal with smoking related problems in foot surgery.