Before the operation, the patient may receive an enema or a laxative to clean out his intestines and prevent constipation after surgery. Hair from the chest and abdomen will be shaved to prevent infection, and an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in the arm or just under the collarbone to give medication and prevent dehydration. The patient will also be given a sedative to help him relax and feel sleepy before going to the operating room.

IMPORTANT:
Because transplantation is a major surgical procedure, the patient may need a transfusion. Today, all blood is screened very carefully; the likelihood of contracting a disease is very small. Any concerns that the patient has regarding the source of the blood should be relayed to the transplant team during the waiting period, before getting to the hospital. Most hospitals offer the option of "autotransfusion" - this is when the patient donates his own blood before surgery. His own blood is stored and then used during transplantation.