A patient should be instructed not smoke for at least two weeks or even six weeks (not 12 hours) before surgery. It is essential that they stop smoking for at least 24 hours before and after most procedures. The patient should also be given the opportunity to discuss smoking cessation treatments and programs. The patient should not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before surgery with general anesthesia and 3 hours before surgery with local anesthesia. The patient should be instructed to void their bladder immediately before surgery. The patient should also be instructed in the proper use of incentive spirometry and encouraged to do it frequently after surgery to prevent pneumonia and atelectasis.