Can a smoker have coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a major surgical procedure that is used to treat severe coronary artery disease. The goal of CABG surgery is to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, and it can also increase the risk of complications after CABG surgery. However, smoking does not necessarily mean that a person is not a candidate for CABG surgery.

The decision of whether or not to perform CABG surgery on a smoker is made on a case-by-case basis. The surgeon will consider the patient's overall health, the severity of their coronary artery disease, and their smoking history.

In general, smokers who are considering CABG surgery are advised to quit smoking as soon as possible. Smoking cessation can help to improve the success of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications.

If a smoker is unable to quit smoking before CABG surgery, they may still be able to have the surgery. However, they will need to be closely monitored after the surgery and may be required to take additional precautions to reduce their risk of complications.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to perform CABG surgery on a smoker is a complex one that is made by the surgeon on a case-by-case basis.