An accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon whose presence helped facilitate the first-ever lung transplant program at Florida Hospital, Dr. Hartmuth Bittner primarily serves as the founder and president of Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute in Tampa, Florida. In addition to his everyday surgical work, Dr. Hartmuth Bittner is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACOS), which works to educate the public and its members about factors impacting the success of surgeries.
With more states legalizing the use of recreational marijuana, the ACOS recently warned that smoking marijuana, vaping, or using traditional cigarettes before surgery can increase the risk of developing respiratory complications, or even suffering a heart attack. In fact, researchers have found that smoking of any kind can effectively double the risk of developing pneumonia after a surgical procedure. The ACOS held a panel discussion on the topic during its 2020 Clinical Congress.
The organization says that focusing on efforts to help patients stop smoking before surgery can be an important factor in reducing the risk of postoperative complications. Even just 2 to 3 weeks of work before a procedure to eliminate all smoking can make the difference. After surgery and recovery, doctors say that the psychological dependency can then be addressed.
With more states legalizing the use of recreational marijuana, the ACOS recently warned that smoking marijuana, vaping, or using traditional cigarettes before surgery can increase the risk of developing respiratory complications, or even suffering a heart attack. In fact, researchers have found that smoking of any kind can effectively double the risk of developing pneumonia after a surgical procedure. The ACOS held a panel discussion on the topic during its 2020 Clinical Congress.
The organization says that focusing on efforts to help patients stop smoking before surgery can be an important factor in reducing the risk of postoperative complications. Even just 2 to 3 weeks of work before a procedure to eliminate all smoking can make the difference. After surgery and recovery, doctors say that the psychological dependency can then be addressed.
