Resolved question:
I have a large cyst on my right ovary. (10cm x ? ) My doctor wasn't sure if it was cyst or cancer because the cyst wasn't clean, it had something like blood in it or something, don't remember. My doctor said it was probably a cyst but he wanted it to be removed so he booked a surgery now, on next friday. I think its going to be keyhole surgery, my doctor mentioned something about 3 small cuts in my stomach.
Now, while waiting for my surgery I have been reading articles on the internet about herbs and supplements before and after surgery. And for my surprise I saw that I´m not suppose to take any garlic, ginger or Omega-3 fatty acid supplement or eat it 1-2 weeks before surgery. I also saw that people in US waiting for surgery, meet their surgeon doctor and they go over things weeks before the surgery.
I´m little scared now.I don't live in US. My surgery is after 2 days. A nurse called me today to go over medications I take, former health problems if any, weight, height and just to tell me when to be there at hospital. She didn't mention anything about herbs and supplements and neither did I. It was after that phone call I started reading online about this.
My question to you is : Am I now at risk for having problems during or after the surgery because Ive been taking garlic, ginger and Omega-3 supplements, should I call the hospital tomorrow ?
Is it big surgery, is it anything I should worry about ?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
I have discussed your concern with our team Anaesthesiologist (and hence the slight delay in my reply).
Omega 3 FA Supplements, Ginger and Garlic generally will not do any cause any harm or complication during Surgery. Still since the data is not very clear on this it is better that you stop taking these supplements from now on. (You still have 48 hours for surgery I guess)
Some Hospitals have an institutional policy that prevents patients taking these supplements. But most hospitals do not. For example at our centre we do not ask about ginger , garlic or Omega 3 supplements. Since your nurse did not specifically ask for it I assume there is no particular policy regarding this in your hospital. So do not worry. Moreover these are common component in our food items and usually they do not do any harm.
All the best for surgery.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups.
Thank you