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CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

asked 8 months ago by It's been long Enough
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 250 times
Tags: blood test, thyroid, worried

I recently had a physical with blood work, it showed slightly low potassium and thyroid levels. The regular family Dr. is not overly concerned. He said eat high potassium foods.. and said nothing about the thyroid levels or what I could do about it at home.. BUT when having a major surgery (scheduled for full TT with Breast Lift Jan 2012) what are the PS and Anastes. looking for in a CBC? Also IS low potassium ( or thyroid) a concern with a Tummy Tuck surgery or Breast lift and augment?

7 answers to CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

+3

Listen to your doctor

He is absolutely correct in making sure these values are normal. The cbc shows if you are anemic and if the platlet count (clotting), and any sign of infection or other. These are critical. see video
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+3

Blood tests before surgery

Among other things, CBC tests your blood count to make sure that you are not anemic. As for your potassium and thyroid levels, your medical doctor, as part of your medical clearance, should also determine whether these levels are acceptable for surgery. When these levels are only slightly low, it is generally safe to have elective plastic surgery.
Arnold S. Breitbart, MD

Long Island Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy Tuck Pre-op?

Thank you for the question. The CBC is a blood test that measures numbers of cells ( such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). This test will inform your surgeon if you're anemic, have a potential for bleeding, or potentially have an infection. This test is a part of the preoperative workup used by many surgeons. As you prepare for your surgery a few words of advice may be in order...Although patients who are about to undergo... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+2

Get yourself optimized before major surgery

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are showing good judgment wanting your labs to be as optimal as possible. You are about to undergo major surgery that may have blood loss and any electrolyte disturbances may put you at higher risk for complications under anesthesia. Make sure all your doctors are happy with your health before surgery. Good Luck.
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

CBC: A commonly used abbreviation in medicine that stands for complete blood count, a set values of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These measurements are generally determined by specially designed machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute. The values generally included are the following: White blood cell count (WBC). The number of white blood cells in a volume of blood. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is generally... more
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Blood work before surgery

I agree with Dr. Aldea - you should talk with your plastic surgeon about the lab results, since he or she is responsible for making the decision whether or not you are safe for surgery. I'm glad you are concerned and want to know more, because being involved is the most important thing you can do for yourself!
Michelle Spring, MD

Marina Del Rey Plastic Surgeon
+1

CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

RE: "recently had a physical with blood work, it showed slightly low potassium and thyroid levels. The regular family Dr. is not overly concerned. He said eat high potassium foods.. and said nothing about the thyroid levels or what I could do about it at home.. BUT when having a major surgery (scheduled for full TT with Breast Lift Jan 2012) what are the PS and Anastes. looking for in a CBC? Also IS low potassium ( or thyroid) a concern with a Tummy Tuck surgery or Breast lift and... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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