Going For Surgery? Remember This..

My doctor colleagues were quite puzzled recently when a patient, after undergoing routine surgery, took a longer time than usual to wake up after GA was completed and stopped . The patient required an overnight stay in the ICU before finally waking up 24 hours later! It was subsequently discovered that the patient had been taking supplements, in this case, St John’s Wort.

Before undergoing surgery, one important info which must be disclosed to your doctor is whether you are taking herbal supplements. This is often left out by patients when doctors enquire on what medications they are taking, as often many people do not equate medicines with supplements.

Many intensive care physicians including anaesthesiologists will tell you of their experience with patients who take a long time to wake up after surgery; develop fits upon recovery or bleed excessively after surgery; all due to the taking of herbals.

Incidents like the above used to mystify many doctors previously but evidence is now clear that several over-the- counter supplements can interfere with the various actions of medications used during surgery.

Some points to note if you are undergoing planned surgery:
1. Remember that the list of medications that you need to reveal to your doctor includes all supplements, whether as pills or as a drink.
2. Some of these herbals may have to be stopped more than 2 weeks prior to planned surgery.
3. In emergency surgery, remember to reveal to your doctor and next-of-kin what you are taking so that some preventive measures may be undertaken beforehand by the doctors.
4. Some people believe if something is natural, it is safe . That is not necessarily true. If in doubt, show your care-giver the original container of the supplement.

Provided by: Ruby Chua