I had to quit smoking 2 months ago. I was told to quit due to possible pulmonary problems while under anesthesia during surgery- not nicotine. I did a quick google search and found this:
After you quit: At 24 hours the nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes will be mostly gone from your body. Even quitting 12 hours before surgery will improve your heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Is it OK to smoke if I'm having surgery? - Quit Victoriawww.quit.org.au/about/frequently-asked-questions/how.../smoking-and-surgery.html