Surgically Significant Nutritional Supplements

Abstract

This is not an exhaustive study of all nutritional supplements that patients may be taking. The most frequently used and those potentially most detrimental or most beneficial for surgical patients have been chosen for review of pertinent effects. It is essential to ask patients specifically about supplements or unusual dietary habits that may affect their surgical outcome prior to their invasive procedure and to keep in mind the supplements that may improve their outcome.

The Effect of Herbal Medicines on Platelet Function: An In Vivo Experiment and Review of the Literature

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] However, several herbal extracts have been identified experimentally to possess antiplatelet activity in vitro. 7,14,15,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether standard commercial preparations of commonly used herbal medicines have an effect on platelet function in vivo and, by extension, to provide clinical scientific evidence of their safety when used in the perioperative period.…”

Prevention and management of TURP-related hemorrhage

“…52 Vitamin E can significantly reduce platelet adhesion, and it is recommended that patients stop taking this nonessential medication before TURP. 53 …”

Top-10 List of Herbal and Supplemental Medicines Used by Cosmetic Patients: What the Plastic Surgeon Needs to Know

“…10 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (fish oil) Eicosapentaenoic acid is rapidly growing in popularity and is commonly taken to reduce the incidence of thrombotic cardiovascular disease. 56,57 Its mechanism of action is believed to be by means of inhibition of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation. Thus, to avoid perioperative risk of bleeding, it is prudent that usage be discontinued 2 to 3 weeks before surgery, according to American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines.…”

“…Furthermore, vitamin E has also been shown to be inhibitory to collagen synthesis and thus wound healing. 57,58 As such, the following perioperative recommendations are made. For patients with normal platelets or those undergoing tendon repairs, vitamin E should be discontinued before surgery and withheld until after the healing phase is complete.…”