Many natural supplements can cause complications during surgical procedures. Listed below are several common supplements and the possible complications associated with each. Even if you cannot find information linking supplements you are currently taking with surgical complications, it is still important to notify your doctor of all natural supplements and to consult your doctor before beginning any new supplements.
- Echinacea
- Immune stimulant
- Discontinue in patients needing immune suppression
- Long term use is not recommended
- May impede wound healing
- Possible allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Potential hepatotoxicity – should be avoided if your liver function is compromised
- Should be used with caution in patients with asthma or regular allergies
- Recommended that you discontinue use as far in advance of surgery as possible
- Ephedra (Ma Huang)
- 5+ vasoactive alkaloids
- Dose-dependent increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- Documented cause of radiolucent kidney stones
- If used with MAOIs, this herb can produce hyperpyrexia (high fever), hypertension (high blood pressure), or even coma
- Discontinue use at least 24 hours prior to surgery
- Garlic
- Efficacy of this herb is in dispute
- Raw garlic is most likely more effective than cooked garlic
- Extracts probably ineffective
- Antihypertensive effect is minimal
- Inhibits platelet aggregation
- Spontaneous epidural hematoma has been reported
- Discontinue use at least 7 days prior to surgery
- Efficacy of this herb is in dispute
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Reported uses are for cognitive disorders, memory loss, macular degeneration, and altitude sickness
- Alters vasoregulation
- Inhibits platelet activating factor
- Cases of spontaneous intracranial bleeding, hyphema, and post-operative bleeding have been reported
- Discontinue use at least 36 hours prior to surgery
- Ginseng
- Used to relieve stress
- Effects similar to those of steroid hormones
- Lowers postprandial glucose
- May create unintended hypoglycemia
- Can cause irreversible platelet inhibition as well as prolongation of PT and PTTÂ (blood clotting tests)
- Discontinue use at least 7 days prior to surgery
- Kava
- Used to relieve stress
- Increases the effect of anesthetics
- Has been reported in one case as cause of coma
- Half-life of 9 hours
- Discontinue use at least 24 hours prior to surgery
- St. John’s Wort
- Reported uses are for depression, insomnia, and migraines
- Inhibits serotonin re-uptake and increases the effects of other SSRIs
- Increases your body’s metabolism of other medications including anesthetics, warfarin (Coumadin), immunosuppressants, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Discontinue use at least 5 days prior to surgery
- Valerian
- Sedative
- Withdrawal from this herb mimics withdrawal from benzodiazapine
- Taper your dose several weeks before surgery and be aware of the potential for withdrawal syndrome
