Will My Surgery Be Cancelled?

A mild cold — a runny or blocked nose and a slightly sore throat, but you feel otherwise well and have no fever — usually does not cancel surgery, especially in adults. But a fever, a chesty cough, wheezing, or feeling genuinely unwell often does lead to postponement, because anesthesia is riskier with a chest infection. If in doubt, phone your surgical team before you travel in — don't just turn up or stay home.

A single high reading on the morning of surgery rarely cancels an operation on its own — anxiety alone pushes it up. Very high blood pressure, or pressure that's been poorly controlled for a long time, can lead to a delay so it can be treated safely first. Take your usual blood pressure medicines with a sip of water unless told otherwise, and tell the team your home readings.

Tell the team honestly — don't hide it. Eating or drinking inside the fasting window can lead to your surgery being delayed or moved later in the list for safety, because a full stomach raises the risk during anesthesia. Whether it's postponed depends on what you had and when, so call ahead rather than guessing.

A mildly raised sugar usually doesn't. A very high (or very low) blood sugar on the day can lead to a delay until it's brought into a safer range, particularly for bigger operations. Follow your diabetes plan, bring your meter and insulin, and let the team know your morning reading.

No — call your surgical ward or pre-op team and let them decide. They would much rather you phone than either not turn up or arrive when you shouldn't have travelled. Only your team can make the final call, and they can often advise over the phone whether to come in.