Your healthcare provider will give you a checkup before the surgery. This is to see that you’re healthy enough for the procedure. And that any health problems you have are under control. You will also have tests done to make sure the cancer has not spread to other parts of your body.

Your provider will explain the procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions.

You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Read the form carefully. Ask questions if anything is not clear.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and local or general anesthesia.

Check that your provider has a list of all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. This includes both prescribed and over-the-counter medicine.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop these medicines before the surgery.

If you smoke, stop as soon as possible. This will improve your recovery and your overall health.

Your provider will tell you about any other specific things you need to do to get ready for surgery. For instance, the day before the surgery, you may need to take a laxative or bowel preparation to clear your colon.

Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before the surgery.