Psyllium husk, safe before surgery?

Question

I take 2 tablespoons of psyllium husk (the main ingredient of Metamucil) daily for regularity. Is it safe to continue taking this prior to my scheduled tummy tuck/breast surgery in March?

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Psyllium prior to surgery should be fine. The narcotics that are given during and after surgery can cause constipation. Regular bowel movements are desirable so more aggressive suppositories and laxatives are not necessary. Discuss this with your specific surgeon. Most surgeons have a list of medications that they would like you to stop prior to the procedure. Best wishes to you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and best wishes on your upcoming surgery.  Medications that improve your bowel movement regularity are recommended with a tummy tuck in order to avoid any unnecessary straining during recovery.  Though safe to have prior to surgery, always best to address any medication use with your surgeon.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

if you were my patient I would switch you to colace. I know what's in that and it doesn't contain any blood thinners. Over the counter homeopathic meds (psyllium husk) may or may not contain thinning agents. There is no regulation on how the homeopathic meds are manufactured. Best

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Absolutely,  the narcotics can cause constipation and I often have patients use things to keep them regular! Best of Luck!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is recommended to take these high fiber meds before surgery by many surgeons including myself. But you should talk to your surgeon for clarification for any meds.

John M. Weeter, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question which is pertinent to many patients before many types of surgery. First, and foremost, discuss it with your surgeon. Prevention of constipation, which can be caused or aggravated by narcotic pain medicine, is a wise idea which is often recommended. It has the added advantage of keeping you from straining when you try to have a bowel movement, which has a slight risk of causing bleeding problems occasionally.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

Psyllium husk, safe before surgery?

Answers (6)

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