You’ve arranged time off, found someone to drive you home, and made plans for your recovery. Then you start feeling unwell. Does that mean your surgery will be postponed?

Not necessarily. Whether surgery can go ahead depends on what symptoms you have, how severe they are, the type of procedure you are having, the anesthesia planned, and your overall health. If you are scheduled for surgery at Ocean Surgery Center in Torrance, let your surgeon know as soon as you start feeling ill. They will determine whether it is safe to proceed or if it is better to wait.

Colds and Respiratory Illnesses

Colds and other respiratory illnesses are some of the common reasons a procedure may need to be delayed, particularly when anesthesia is involved. Respiratory infections make the airways more sensitive and produce more secretions, which can increase the risk of breathing problems during and after anesthesia. This is especially important with procedures involving the head and neck and with general anesthesia. All new symptoms, from a runny nose to cough to fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, or worsening asthma, need to be reported and discussed with your surgeon without delay.

There is no one waiting period that applies to everyone after a cold or other respiratory infection. Some people can have surgery once their symptoms have completely resolved, while more severe infections may require additional time for the lungs and airways to recover. Your surgeon and anesthesia team will make that decision based on your individual situation and the type of anesthesia planned.

If you have severe difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting to discuss it before surgery.

Other Illnesses Can Also Affect Your Surgery

A respiratory infection isn’t the only reason your procedure might need to be postponed. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you develop:

  • A fever or another infection
  • A sore throat or significant new illness
  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar or blood pressure
  • A contagious illness such as chickenpox or shingles
  • A new or unexplained rash
  • Any other significant change in your health

What Can You Do to Stay Healthy Before Surgery?

In the couple of weeks before your procedure, do what you can to reduce your chances of getting sick. Avoid close contact with people who are ill and, when possible, crowded indoor settings where you are more likely to be exposed to respiratory infections.

Get enough sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, take care of your mental health, and follow the surgical preparation instructions given to you by your surgical team. If you smoke or drink alcohol, talk with your physician about a safe plan to stop as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your physician about any medications, supplements, or substances you use, even if you have not been asked about them specifically. Some can interact with medications used during surgery, while suddenly stopping others can cause withdrawal and affect your care.

Of course, even with the best preparation, people sometimes get sick. If that happens, don’t worry and don’t try to hide your symptoms.

Always Let Your Surgeon Know

If you develop a new health problem before surgery, call your surgeon’s office right away. Let them know when your symptoms started, whether they are getting better or worse, and what medications and supplements you have taken. Don’t assume that an over-the-counter cold or pain medication is automatically safe before surgery. Some medications, including certain anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can increase bleeding risk. Always check with your physician before taking a new medication or stopping one you normally take.

Most importantly, don’t wait until the day of surgery to mention that you are getting sick. Letting your surgical team know ahead of time gives them the opportunity to review your symptoms and make the safest plan for you. If you wait until the last minute to report an illness and your surgery has to be canceled, a late cancellation fee may apply.

Generally, the sooner your team knows you’re not feeling well, the more time everyone has to make a safe plan. If your surgery does need to be rescheduled, knowing early gives you more time to make new arrangements and helps avoid the stress of a last-minute change. Our first priority is, as always, your safety.