Effects of smoking in foot and ankle surgery—An awareness survey of members of the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

A survey of members of the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (BOFAS) was undertaken to document surgeons’ awareness of the detrimental effects of smoking in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery and the measures they take to prevent these problems. The survey was returned by 104 of the 225 surgeons (47%). One hundred and two (99%) surgeons were aware of the damaging effects of smoking in foot and ankle surgery. Eighty-nine (84%) of these recorded the smoking habits of their patients in their dictated notes. However, only 9% of respondents recorded the smoking habits of their patients in the consent forms and warned them about potential risks and complications at the time of consenting. Twenty-four surgeons (23%) used eleven different protocols in an attempt to reduce smoking related operative complications. When asked, if there should be a unified policy amongst Foot & Ankle Society members to deal with smoking related problems, 64% agreed to it. The remaining 34% were against this idea. However, 33% of those who were against the idea of a unified policy were interested in having evidence based information and recommendations to improve awareness amongst themselves and their patients.