Smoking Cessation Timing Surgery — FRCA Final MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePerioperative MedicineSmoking Cessation Timing SurgeryFRCA Final

What is the recommended minimum time between smoking cessation and elective surgery to reduce pulmonary complications?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — 8 weeks

Optimal: ≥8 weeks smoking cessation before surgery. At 4 weeks: reduced wound complications. At 8 weeks: significant reduction in pulmonary complications (ciliary function recovers, sputum production decreases). Even 24-48h helps (COHb normalises, carboxymyoglobin clears). Never advise 'too late to quit' — any cessation period helps.

Reference: RCOA/CPOC – 2023 – Perioperative smoking cessation; WHO – 2020