Cocaine before surgery - will my surgeon cancel?

Question

I took two lines of cocaine a week before surgery. Next week I will be getting breast augmentation, labiaplasty and otoolasty. If I tell my surgeon will he cancel my procedure?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Do not proceed with your surgery as you are at marked increased risks of complications from both recent use of cocaine and ongoing nicotine use. You need to have medical clearance at a minimum from the anesthesiologist who needs to know of this history, and need to be off both cocaine and nicotine for months prior to elective surgery. I also strongly recommend that you are candid with your surgeon and never hold back medical details that could affect your health. There is a sacred patient physician relationship restricting him from sharing any of your medical information

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I strongly recommend being honest with your plastic surgeon. Patient safety should always come first. Best of luck,

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

Be sincere with your surgeon. Cocaine can have some potential risk, especially on the heart rhythm. The anesthesiologist also needs to be aware of that.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. The most important thing to remember is that patient safety should always be a priority. Let him know what is going on, it's very likely that he will not cancel your surgery if your pre- operational exams preformed by an internist came out okay. Remember that you need to be honest with your PS in order to have a smooth recuperation process with no complications. Best wishes...

Rodolfo Castillo, MD · Answer

The intake of drugs before surgery can affect anesthesia effects as well as medication effects after surgery. It is better to tell your surgeon and reschedule surgery if necessary to avoid complications.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

Most importantly it must be addressed whether this is an occasional, recreational use or a regular, habitual use. Cocaine can have long term effects on the circulation to the heart muscle.  If this was a rare exposure the anesthesiologist will have little concern but otherwise clearance from a cardiologist would be my request from you if I were your surgeon

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

I would recommend being honest with your surgeon.  Cocaine and many other drugs could have negative interactions with anesthesia medications.  In addition, there could be healing concerns.  You have spent money and you are taking time away from work/life activities, so you want the best results. It is best to have an honest conversation ahead of surgery and follow your surgeon's advice.

Cocaine before surgery - will my surgeon cancel?

Answers (7)

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