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Using herbal supplements before
undergoing surgery may interfere with anesthesia or put patients
at risk for complications such as increased bleeding. Patients
would do well to lay off the herbs before going under the knife.
There is an unspoken 'don't ask, don't tell' policy in most doctors'
offices, where physicians don't ask and patients rarely tell about
their herbs or dietary supplements.
The patient's silence could be deadly, since many herbs
can increase bleeding time during and after surgery, cause changes
in blood pressure and prolong the effects of anesthesia.
Because people may not regard herbs as medication, they may be
unaware herbal supplements can carry side-effects.
Some supplements that can interfere with bleeding time during surgery
include ginkgo, feverfew, ginger and vitamin E.
In addition, ginseng may trigger high blood pressure, while garlic
supplements may lower blood pressure. Herbs that can intensify or
prolong anesthesia include St. John' s wort and kava kava.
All herbal supplements be stopped two
weeks prior to elective surgery, no matter how minor.
Annual Meeting of the American
Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, San Diego, February 23, 2001
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