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.
Nutrition
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.
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Anemia
Note: Anemia 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.
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Smoking and alcohol
Stop as early as possible; this lowers wound, lung, and vascular risks. Avoid alcohol before surgery. Ask about support programs.
Exercise and breathing
Daily walking, light strength work, and breathing practice (deep breaths, cough training) help reduce lung complications. Plans are matched to your limits.
Frailty assessment
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 preparation
Anxiety is normal. Understanding the pathway, writing questions, and arranging family support are also part of prehabilitation.
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician. Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026.