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Herbs And Surgery Can Be a Harmful Combination |
| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
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,
according to Dr. Suzanne Yee, a plastic and
cosmetic surgeon of the University of Arkansas
at Little Rock.
Speaking here at the annual meeting of the
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Yee said
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.''
She stressed that "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.
Yee advised that ``all herbal supplements be
stopped two weeks prior to elective surgery, no
matter how minor.''
She also urges patients to speak with their
doctors about their supplement use and advises
physicians to make it a formal part of the
patient's medical history. Such awareness can
prevent problems, alter care and help manage
complications, Yee said.
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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