CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

Question

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?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

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.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

A CBC, or complete blood count, is a common blood test that provides important information about the composition of your blood. This test is often performed before surgery to assess your overall health and ensure that you are in a suitable condition for the procedure. A CBC includes several key components:

White Blood Cell Count (WBC): This measures the number of white blood cells, which are essential for the immune system. Abnormalities in WBC count can indicate infections or other immune system issues.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): This measures the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia or other blood disorders may be detected through the RBC count.

Hemoglobin (Hb): This is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia or other health issues.

Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Like hemoglobin, it helps assess for anemia.

Platelet Count: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Abnormalities in platelet count may indicate a bleeding disorder or other health problems.

A CBC provides valuable information about your blood's cellular components, helping to identify potential issues that might affect your ability to undergo surgery safely. It helps healthcare professionals assess your overall health, the presence of infections, and your body's ability to transport oxygen.

Before surgery, your surgeon and anesthesiologist may use the CBC results, along with other pre-operative assessments, to ensure that you are in optimal health for the procedure and to tailor the anesthesia and surgical plan to your specific needs.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The vast majority of patients who
are undergoing mommy makeover surgery have preoperative blood testing which
includes a CBC. This test has several components which are critical elements of
the preoperative evaluation. These include the platelet count, the white blood
cell count, and the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Each of these
measurements is extremely important. The platelet count measures the patient’s
ability to clot blood, an elevated white blood cell count is an indicator of
infection, while the red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin all
measure the body’s oxygen carrying capacity.

Occasionally other blood tests are
performed in combination with a CBC. In your case, electrolytes and thyroid
studies have been drawn as well. When potassium is slightly lower than normal,
it may not be unreasonable to proceed with surgery but this depends on the
specifics of the individual case. When thyroid studies indicate significant
abnormalities, consultation with an endocrinologist is appropriate.

If you’re concerned about your
preoperative blood testing, it’s appropriate to consult your plastic surgeon.
Your surgeon should be able to discuss these lab values in detail.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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 plastic surgery spend a lot of time thinking about the physical preparation for the procedure (for example weight loss issues) they do not typically spend a lot of time thinking about the emotional aspects of the recovery period.

	Although most patients eventually experience a positive emotional &ldquo;boost&rdquo; after their procedure, it is not uncommon for patients  to experience severe &ldquo;mood swings&rdquo; during the recovery period. These emotions may range from depression ( &ldquo;why did I do this to myself&rdquo;) to elation  (which may lead to over activity). I think it is helpful to be aware that these emotional swings do occur frequently during the postoperative period.  The awareness that the emotional swings after surgery are common may help you weather the storm.

	I hope this helps.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

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.

CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

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CBC Before Surgery- What Info Does It Show?

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Pre-op?

Answer: Tummy Tuck Pre-op?

Answer: Get yourself optimized before major surgery

Answer: Get yourself optimized before major surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.