If one has a pretty bad cold and has a nephrectomy coming up in a week, is it wise to go or no?

May or may not: It all depends on the course in the next few days. If no prompt improvement, would reschedule surgery. It would be wise in order to decrease chances of complications and improve the pace of recovery. Let your surgeon know if not better soon.

Depends: I would discuss this with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. An upper airway infection can leave your airway hyper reactive for a few weeks. This can cause problems. A lung infection can like wise take a month to clean out debris left by the infection . So a lot depends on you individually and your medical history, and reason for surgery. Again i would discuss with your doctors.

An upper respiratory: Infection should be cleared up prior to elective and semi-elective surgery. Having a URI during anesthesia can lead to intra-op complications like bronchospasm and respiratory collapse and post-op complications like pneumonia and prolonged intubation. Consider a preop course of antibiotics if appropriate.

Depends: This depends on the reason for the nephectomy. Given that it is a week out, it sounds fairly elective. The reasons to avoid anesthesia with an active or recent upper respiratory infection are several. They include depressed immune system, increased risk of respiratory problems like pneumonia and increased pain. Picture coughing with a fresh incision in your side! talk to the anesthesiologist.