Before Surgery

If you have some time to wait before your surgery, your physician and surgeon can advise you on ways to prepare yourself, including medication and exercise. One of the most important considerations before any surgery is preparation of the lungs. If you smoke, you should stop smoking as early as possible before your surgery. Smoking constricts the coronary arteries, promotes blood clotting, produces excess mucous in the lungs, raises the blood pressure, and makes the heart beat faster.

All of these conditions have the tendency to increase the potential for complications after surgery.