Preparing for Surgery

Find the Best Care

Seeking a Consultation

Consultation has always been a part of good medical practice. Before you agree to an operation, you should discuss a number of things with your surgeon.

Surgeon Qualifications and Certifications

Whether you are referred to a physician for surgical care, or you make the choice yourself, don't take your surgeon's qualifications for granted.

Find a Quality Treatment Center

Search for a quality treatment center near you. The ACS Power of Quality Program verifies hospitals to ensure the highest of standards.

Know What to Expect

Questions to Ask Before Having an Operation

Be better prepared. Bring these questions to your surgeon before having an operation.

Do Your Part to Make the Surgery a Success

For Patients

Quit Smoking before Your Operation

Smoking increases your risk of problems during and after your operation. Quitting can decrease your rate of complications.

For Patients

Surgical Cancer Patient Education

Looking for cancer patient education resources? The ACS has information that can help you out.

For Patients

Strong for Surgery

Strong for Surgery has developed tools and resources for patients facing surgery that are available here on the website.

For Patients

Geriatric Surgery Patient Checklist

The patient checklist encourages open communication with your surgical care team and helps you keep track of your questions and share your goals.

Home Medication

Bring a list of all of the medications, vitamins, and any over-the-counter medicines that you are taking. Your medications may have to be adjusted before your operation. Some medications can affect your recovery and response to anesthesia. Most often, you will take your morning medication with a sip of water.

Anesthesia

Let your anesthesia provider know if you have allergies, neurologic disease (epilepsy, stroke), heart disease, stomach problems, lung disease (asthma, emphysema), endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid conditions), or loose teeth; use alcohol or drugs; take any herbs or vitamins; or if you have a history of nausea and vomiting with anesthesia.