Patient guide/Chapter
Preparing for Surgery
Practical steps before planned general surgery
Good preparation supports safer anesthesia and smoother recovery. The list below is a general framework — always follow the written plan for your specific operation.
Ask about every item you do not understand. Clear information is part of safe care.
- Bring your medication listTap for details · key note insideNoteDo not stop or change blood thinners on your own.
List all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and blood-pressure or heart medicines need special attention — stopping or continuing them is a physician decision.
- Blood thinners (including aspirin-containing pain medicines)
- Diabetes medicines / insulin
- Blood-pressure and heart medicines
- Herbal products and supplements
- Fasting and fluidsTap for details
Solid food is usually stopped after midnight before surgery. Clear-fluid rules depend on the anesthesia plan. Bowel operations may require additional bowel preparation.
- Tests and recordsTap for details
Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, or an anesthesia visit may be requested. Bring prior operative reports, pathology, and imaging discs or reports.
- What to packTap for details
ID, medication list, comfortable clothes, phone charger, and glasses if needed. Leave valuables and excess cash at home. Confirm visitor rules with the hospital.
- Smoking, alcohol, nutritionTap for details
Stopping smoking early reduces wound and lung complications. Avoid alcohol before surgery. Balanced protein intake supports healing.
- Consent and questionsTap for details
You will hear the purpose, alternatives, expected benefits, and risks; written consent is obtained. Note questions about pain, recovery time, stoma possibility, or voice changes in advance.
Educational information only; not a substitute for clinical evaluation. Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026.