CPOC: Perioperative Treatment of Tobacco Dependence

Question 1

CPOC recommendations for tobacco dependence

Answer 1

• Ask and record smoking status as soon as surgery is contemplated and at every opportunity
• Recommend smoking cessation
• If not open to cessation recommend: reduction, temporarily stopping, not smoking on day of surgery
• If open to cessation offer both pharmacological support and referral for behaviour management

Question 2

Pharmacological support for smoking cessation

Answer 2

• Nicotine replacement therapy: gum, lozenges, spray
• e-cigarettes or vapes
• Cytisine or varenicline (not available in the UK)- nicotine analogues