Excessive alcohol and tobacco use have been identified as major risk factors for postoperative morbidity.9 Patients who abuse alcohol are subject to a higher incidence of complications and more prolonged convalescence after surgery than nonabusers, even in the absence of alcohol-related overt organ dysfunction.9 and 23 One study of patients who underwent colon surgery showed reduced postoperative morbidity in those who abstained from alcohol for 4 weeks before surgery compared with those who did not.24 Smoking has similar adverse effects on morbidity. Patients who smoke should be encouraged to reduce smoking for at least one month before surgery to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications