Several factors can affect safety during surgery.
According to an anesthesiologist, it is particularly important to pay attention to what you consume and what information you share with healthcare professionals, reports Parade.
Disclose all your supplements
Many people do not realise that dietary supplements can affect surgery.
According to anesthesiologist Jeremy Dennis of Yale School of Medicine, certain supplements can interfere with anaesthetic medications and, in some cases, lead to changes in treatment or the cancellation of surgery.
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Be careful with garlic
Garlic can affect platelet function and, consequently, the body's ability to stop bleeding.
It is therefore important to inform your doctor if you take garlic supplements.
Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding
Ginkgo supplements can interfere with platelet function.
This can be particularly important during surgery, when the blood needs to clot normally.
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Ginseng can affect blood clotting
According to Jeremy Dennis, ginseng is another supplement that can affect platelets and increase the risk of bleeding.
Healthcare professionals should therefore be informed if you use it.
Vitamin E may affect surgery
Although vitamin E is a common nutrient, taking it in supplement form can affect the blood's ability to clot.
It is therefore important to disclose its use before surgery.
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St. John's wort can alter the effects of medication
St. John's wort can affect how the body metabolises several medications used during anaesthesia.
This may cause the medications to work differently than expected.
Valerian can affect anaesthesia
Valerian can alter how the body processes medications used during anaesthesia.
This may affect how much of the medication remains active in the body.
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Kava can interfere with medication
Kava is another herbal remedy that can affect how anaesthetic medications are metabolised.
As a result, their effects may be stronger or weaker than expected.
Ephedra can affect the heart
According to Jeremy Dennis, ephedra can cause blood pressure problems and disturbances in both heart rate and heart rhythm.
It is therefore important to disclose its use before surgery.
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THC and CBD can change anaesthesia requirements
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can affect the amount of anaesthetic medication required.
They can also influence monitoring during surgery and pain management afterwards.
Follow fasting instructions
It is essential to follow the fasting instructions provided before surgery.
During anaesthesia, the body's normal protective reflexes are weakened, increasing the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs.
Be aware of GLP-1 medications
According to Jeremy Dennis, GLP-1 medications can further weaken protective reflexes during anaesthesia.
If stomach contents enter the lungs, this can lead to breathing difficulties, pneumonia and longer hospital stays.
Share your medical history
The anaesthesia team needs information about your health, your family's medical history and any previous experiences with anaesthesia.
This information helps healthcare professionals prepare the appropriate treatment and manage potential complications.
Be honest about medications and recreational drugs
Prescription medications are not the only substances that can affect anaesthesia. Over-the-counter medications and recreational drugs can also have an impact.
Jeremy Dennis therefore emphasises the importance of disclosing everything you use, even if the information feels private.
Ask questions before surgery
Your conversation with the anaesthesia team should involve more than simply answering questions.
Patients are also encouraged to share their preferences and concerns so healthcare professionals can take them into account whenever medically appropriate.
Understand the different types of anaesthesia
Anaesthesia can be administered in several ways. With local or regional anaesthesia, patients may remain awake, while general anaesthesia means they are unconscious and unaware of the procedure.
The choice depends on several factors, including the type of procedure and the patient's individual circumstances.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.