The answer is complex and depends on the type of angioedema that you have i.e. whether it is acquired or hereditary and what triggers your angioedema. In either case the danger is as much or more due to the use of a breathing tube during surgery as it is the surgery itself. You will need to be prepared for surgery at least 5 days in advance with steroids and/or antihistamines if it is acquired or icatibant if it is hereditary. Full blood complement protein levels will need to assessed and normal before proceeding if it is the hereditary type. Should you develop an attack during or after surgery, especially of the respiratory tract, you will need immediate access to these medications and possibly epipens. In rare cases access to fresh frozen plasma is required. The acquired form can be more dangerous because the swelling can happen in minutes as opposed to the hereditary form where the swelling typically forms over some hours to even days. So you should have your surgery in a hospital not a surgery center. Prior to surgery your surgeon, anesthesiologist and internist need to work together to make the process as smooth and safe as possible. If steroid medication is required you will need to take vitamin A, starting before surgery, to counter the adverse effect of steroids on the healing process.
