I don't think the COPD will affect you during surgery since you will be asleep with oxygen and resting. However, you did write the word fistula which makes me concerned because my gastro after the colonoscopy told me I had Diverticulosis and a fistula but didn't tell me where it is or if I should be concerned about it. I don't even know what it is except I think it's a hole in me someplace. I think I should be worried.