Patient guide/Chapter
Prehabilitation Before Surgery
Building capacity before the operation
Prehabilitation prepares the body before surgery through nutrition, anemia care, smoking cessation, exercise, breathing practice, and — when needed — frailty assessment. The goal is fewer complications and a smoother recovery. It is not merely a gym program.
Small steps help. Stopping smoking, raising protein intake, and short walks are realistic for most patients.
- NutritionTap for details
Adequate protein and calories support wound healing and muscle preservation. Unplanned weight loss or poor appetite may need dietitian input. Bowel operations can require a separate preparation plan.
- AnemiaTap for details · key note insideNoteAnemia is not a trivial lab number — correcting it supports recovery.
Preoperative anemia can increase fatigue and complication risk. The cause (iron deficiency and others) is investigated; iron therapy or other correction may be planned.
- Smoking and alcoholTap for details · key note inside
Stop as early as possible; this lowers wound, lung, and vascular risks. Avoid alcohol before surgery. Ask about support programs.
- Exercise and breathingTap for details
Daily walking, light strength work, and breathing practice (deep breaths, cough training) help reduce lung complications. Plans are matched to your limits.
- Frailty assessmentTap for details
Older age, unintentional weight loss, slow walking, or difficulty with daily tasks can signal frailty. When found, prehab intensifies and timing may be optimized.
- Psychological preparationTap for details
Anxiety is normal. Understanding the pathway, writing questions, and arranging family support are also part of prehabilitation.
Educational information only; not a substitute for clinical evaluation. Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026.