Quitting smoking even 24 hours before surgery increases the chances of a patient making it through.

The Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists has released guidelines on the dangers of combining smoking before heading to the operating theatre, to mark National Anaesthesia Day.

Chair Dr Nigel Robertson says the heart and lungs can recover remarkably quickly, if given the chance.

He says the risk goes down markedly even if smokers quit the day before surgery.