Herbal Supplements And Anesthesia
Should I disclose my use of herbal supplements to my doctor before surgery?
It is very important to disclose the use of any medication that you are taking prior to surgery, including herbs and mineral and vitamin supplements. These medications can have significant impacts on the anaesthetic delivered to you by your anaesthesiologist. As you know, herbs and supplements are not FDA regulated and they do not come with package inserts telling you the side effects of these herbs. Many of them will interact with the anaesthetic agents and it is important that you tell your anaesthesiologist.
Should I stop taking herbal supplements before my surgery?
It is recommended that herbs and vitamin supplements are discontinued prior to surgery. They can impact the anaesthetic that is given. There are no apparent side effects from discontinuing herbs and vitamin supplements at this time.
Are there any herbal supplements that can prolong the effects of anesthesia?
There are several herbal supplements that have sedative qualities of their own. They can produce somnolence, as well as relaxation. These agents need to be discontinued prior to receiving an anaesthetic because they can potentiate that anaesthetic and they can remain sleepy for a longer period of time. Those substances are Kava-Kava, Valerian and St. John's Wort.
Are there any herbal supplements that cause post-surgical bleeding?
This is the most important group of supplements that need to be discontinued prior to surgery. The herbs that cause that are the herbs that act as anticoagulants, which need to be discontinued so that there is not excessive intraoperative and, as important, postoperative haemorrhage. The herbs that begin with the letter "g" classically have anticoagulant properties. Those would be garlic, ginseng, gingko, and goldenseal. Another herb that has anticoagulant properties is feverfew. In addition, vitamin E is well known to have anticoagulant properties and should be discontinued prior to surgery.
Are there herbal supplements that worsen post-surgical inflammation?
There are herbs and supplements that increase the inflammatory process, and these can cause scarring at the site of the wound, and can cause an increased incidence of infection at the site of the wound. These herbs include echinacea, goldenseal and licorice.
Are there herbal supplements that can raise post-surgical blood pressure?
There are several herbs that can increase the blood pressure in a patient with or without anesthesia. When you combine them with anesthetic agents, in particular vasopressors, agents that are used to increase the blood pressure in a patient during surgery, these herbs can wreak havoc in the operating room. Such herbs include ephedrine, ginseng, and liquorice. If taken prior to surgery, and these patients receive vasopressors, they can have a hypertensive crisis in the operating room.
Are there any herbs used for natural anesthesia?
Kava kava, St. John's Wort, and valerian all have sedative properties, but not enough to provide surgical anesthesia.
