Women who undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy face a higher risk of complications if they smoke, researchers report. They found smokers are more likely than either nonsmokers or ex-smokers to have complications after breast reconstruction, regardless of the methods used in surgery. In a review of more than 700 women who had undergone postmastectomy breast reconstruction, investigators found that the 20% who were smokers had a higher complication rate than the other women. Nearly 40% suffered complications such as infection and tissue damage, compared with one quarter of nonsmokers or former smokers. In addition, smokers were more likely to have complications regardless of the type of reconstruction they had. Dr. Arvind N. Padubidri and colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio report their findings in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Thanks to Reuters Health, February, 2001 Euro J Surg Onc, 1/03 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.