What is the most important thing to do before surgery?

September 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, strictly following pre-operative instructions is critical for preventing complications and ensuring patient safety. So, what is the most important thing to do before surgery to ensure a successful outcome and minimize risks?

Quick Summary

The most important thing to do before surgery is to strictly adhere to all instructions from your medical team, especially fasting and medication guidelines, while also providing a complete health history to minimize risks.

Key Points

Follow All Instructions: Strictly adhere to every pre-operative guideline from your medical team, especially fasting requirements, to ensure patient safety and prevent complications.
Review Medications: Provide a comprehensive list of all medications, supplements, and allergies to your anesthesiologist and surgeon well in advance of the procedure.
Optimize Health: Focus on 'prehabilitation' by improving your diet, stopping smoking, and incorporating light exercise (as approved) to prepare your body for surgery and speed recovery.
Plan for Recovery: Arrange for a responsible driver and a support person for the first 24 hours after surgery, and prepare your home for a comfortable recovery period.
Reduce Anxiety: Educate yourself by asking your healthcare team questions and use relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve your overall surgical experience.

The Unwavering Rule: Following Medical Instructions

For anyone preparing for an operation, the single most important thing to do before surgery is to follow every instruction provided by your healthcare team. These are not mere suggestions; they are critical directives designed to protect your safety and the success of the procedure. While tasks like packing a bag or arranging for a ride home are important, they are secondary to adhering to medical protocols.

The most common and serious instruction is about fasting. A patient with food or liquid in their stomach can face a life-threatening risk of aspiration during anesthesia, where stomach contents can enter the lungs. The fasting period, which typically requires no food or drink after midnight, is a non-negotiable safety measure. Your team may provide more specific guidance, such as allowing clear liquids up to a few hours before the procedure, but these must be followed precisely.

Providing a Comprehensive Health History and Medication Review

Your healthcare provider and anesthesiologist need a complete and accurate picture of your health. This is vital for selecting the safest anesthesia and avoiding drug interactions. It involves a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed discussion of all medications and supplements you take.

Essential Information to Share

Existing Conditions: Disclose all chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea, as these can affect your surgical plan and anesthesia.
Medications and Supplements: Provide a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and even cannabis products. Certain substances, like blood thinners and some herbal remedies, can increase bleeding risks.
Allergies: A complete list of known drug and food allergies is essential to prevent severe reactions during and after the procedure.
Anesthesia History: Inform your team of any past issues with anesthesia, either personally or in your family.

Optimizing Your Body Through 'Prehabilitation'

More than just avoiding risks, a proactive approach to preparation, or 'prehabilitation,' can significantly improve recovery time and outcomes. This involves a holistic focus on physical, nutritional, and mental well-being before the procedure.

Physical and Nutritional Preparedness

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables can strengthen your body's healing capacity. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated in the weeks leading up to surgery.
Quit Smoking: Smoking severely impairs circulation and delays wound healing. Quitting as early as possible is one of the most effective ways to reduce complications.
Exercise: If approved by your doctor, regular, gentle exercise like walking can improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance, making recovery easier.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Manage Anxiety: It's normal to feel anxious before surgery. Practicing relaxation techniques, talking to your medical team about your fears, and even seeking counseling can help manage stress, which can negatively impact recovery.
Ask Questions: Do not hesitate to ask your doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurses any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, or risks. A well-informed patient is a more confident patient.

Comparing Critical and Important Pre-operative Steps


Critical Must-Do Instructions	Important Day-of-Surgery Tasks
Follow fasting rules exactly.	Shower with antibacterial soap if instructed.
Review and manage medications as directed.	Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Provide complete medical history.	Bring your ID, insurance, and medical documents.
Arrange for a responsible adult driver.	Leave all valuables, including jewelry, at home.
Disclose all allergies and past reactions.	Remove nail polish, makeup, and contacts.

Planning for a Smooth Recovery

While focusing on the surgery itself, it's easy to overlook the recovery period. Part of the most important thing to do before surgery is to set yourself up for success afterwards. This includes preparing your home environment, arranging for a support person, and understanding your post-operative instructions. Planning ahead for pain management and having prescriptions filled can significantly reduce stress during recovery. For more detailed information on surgery preparation, you can visit a trusted resource like the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Conclusion

In summary, while many steps contribute to a successful surgery, the most important is your complete and truthful adherence to your medical team's instructions, particularly regarding fasting and medication. This commitment, combined with proactive prehabilitation and careful planning, empowers you to be an active and informed participant in your own care, paving the way for a safer procedure and a faster, smoother recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fasting is critical to prevent a life-threatening complication called aspiration. During anesthesia, stomach contents can enter your lungs, potentially causing severe lung damage. An empty stomach dramatically reduces this risk.

Reviewing all medications and supplements with your doctor is paramount. Many substances, like blood thinners and certain herbal products, can interfere with anesthesia or increase bleeding risks during the procedure. Your doctor will provide a clear plan on which medications to stop or continue.

Yes, quitting smoking is extremely important. Smoking reduces circulation and delays wound healing, significantly increasing your risk of surgical complications, including poor recovery and infection. Quitting as far in advance as possible is strongly recommended.

On the day of surgery, your most important tasks are to follow the specific hygiene instructions provided (e.g., showering with special soap), wear loose clothing, and ensure you have a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.

Prehabilitation, or 'prehab,' focuses on optimizing your health before surgery. By improving your physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, you strengthen your body's ability to withstand the stress of the operation and can experience a faster, smoother recovery with fewer complications.

You should bring your photo ID, insurance cards, and a list of any medications. Leave all valuables, jewelry, and extensive cash at home. If you wear glasses, bring a case for them.

Many people assume supplements are harmless, but some, such as ginkgo biloba and ginseng, can interfere with anesthesia and increase bleeding risk. Your doctor needs a complete list to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.