Key result
Refusing elective surgery to smokers remains a controversial topic, balancing the clinical benefits of reduced postoperative complications against ethical concerns of discrimination and patient autonomy.
Why the study?
Should smokers be refused surgery?
Should smokers be refused surgery?
This editorial debates the ethical and practical implications of refusing surgery to smokers.
Last year a primary care trust announced it would take smokers off waiting lists for surgery in an attempt to contain costs. Matthew Peters argues that denying operations is justified for specific conditions but Leonard Glantz believes it is unacceptable discrimination
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Matthew Peters (2007) conducted an editorial in Elective surgery. Smoking cessation prior to surgery vs. Continued smoking was evaluated. Refusing elective surgery to smokers remains a controversial topic, balancing the clinical benefits of reduced postoperative complications against ethical concerns of discrimination and patient autonomy.
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