Smoking & Surgery: Can a Doctor Refuse Treatment?

Yes, a surgeon may refuse to do surgery on a patient who smokes. It is the doctor's responsibility to reduce medical risks to the patient as much as possible.

Some of the risks of smoking that may lead a doctor to refuse surgery include:

* Increased risk of infection

* Delayed wound healing

* Poor circulation

* Increased risk of complications

* Increased risk of death

While it is ultimately the patient's decision whether or not to smoke, a doctor may refuse to perform surgery if they believe that the risks of smoking outweigh the benefits of the procedure.

If you are a smoker and are considering surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks involved and whether or not you should quit smoking before the procedure.