Preparing for Surgery

Why is it important to prepare well?

The condition you are in when you arrive for surgery affects your recovery. Patients who arrive in better physical and mental shape tend to have:

• Fewer post-operative complications
• A faster recovery
• Better tolerance of the stress of surgery
• More capacity to cope with possible setbacks

Pre-operative tests and consultations

Before the operation, you will need to complete several assessments:

• Blood tests: To check kidney function, liver function, clotting and nutritional status.
• Electrocardiogram: To assess heart function.
• Chest X-ray: To rule out lung problems.
• Specific tests: Depending on your case, CT, MRI or other tests may be needed.

Nutrition: arrive strong for surgery

Your nutritional status has a direct effect on healing and recovery. In the weeks before surgery:

• Increase your protein: Meat, fish, eggs, legumes, dairy. Protein is essential for healing.
• Don't lose weight: Even if you are overweight, this is not the time to diet. You need reserves.
• Nutritional supplements: If you are eating little or have lost weight, your doctor may prescribe protein supplements.
• Hydration: Drink enough water (about 2 liters a day).

If you have trouble eating or have lost a lot of weight, tell the medical team. Malnutrition increases the risk of complications. We explain what to eat before and after the operation in nutrition in oncological surgery.

Physical exercise

Staying physically active before surgery improves your ability to recover:

• Walk: At least 30 minutes a day if possible.
• Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing. Fill your lungs completely, hold for 3 seconds and breathe out. Repeat 10 times, several times a day.
• Gentle strengthening: If your doctor approves, gentle exercises for your legs and arms.

Adapt the exercise to your situation. If you have pain or limitations, ask what you can do safely. To see how physical capacity is measured before surgery, read the MET table and prehabilitation.

Medications

Review all the medications you take with your doctor:

Important: Do not stop any medication on your own. Always ask your doctor which medications you should take or stop taking, and when.

If you smoke

Quitting smoking before surgery has clear advantages:

• It improves oxygen supply to the tissues (better healing)
• It reduces the risk of lung complications
• It lowers the risk of infection
• It makes recovery easier

Ideally, quit at least 4-6 weeks before, but even quitting a few days before helps. If you need help to quit smoking, ask for it.

Emotional preparation

It is completely normal to feel fear or anxiety before major surgery. Some strategies that may help:

• Get informed: Ask the medical team all your questions. The unknown causes more fear.
• Talk about it: Share your fears with family, friends or a mental health professional if you need to.
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, positive visualization.
• Plan ahead: Having everything organized (home, work, responsibilities) will give you peace of mind.
• Trust the team: They will explain each step and answer your questions.

The day before surgery

• Fasting: Don't eat or drink anything from midnight (or follow the specific instructions you are given).
• Shower: Shower the night before with antiseptic soap if you have been told to.
• No hair removal: Don't shave or remove hair from the surgical area. If it is needed, hospital staff will do it.
• Rest: Try to sleep well. If you can't, at least rest quietly.

What to bring to the hospital

Pack a bag with the essentials:

• Documents: ID card, health card, medical reports, list of medications.
• Comfortable clothes: Front-opening nightgowns, closed non-slip slippers, a robe.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, soap, shampoo (small size).
• Glasses: If you use them, bring your glasses instead of contact lenses.
• Entertainment: A book, magazine, tablet, headphones.
• Phone charger

Don't bring: jewelry, valuables, large amounts of money.

The day of surgery

You will arrive at the hospital at the time you were given. This is what you can expect:

1. You will be assigned a room or a pre-operative bed.
2. You will change into a hospital gown.
3. The nursing staff will check your details and insert an IV line.
4. The anesthesiologist, and possibly the surgeon, will come to see you.
5. You will be given pre-anesthetic medication if needed.
6. You will be taken to the operating room when everything is ready.

Your family can stay with you until you are taken to the operating room, and they will receive updates during the operation.