Cold symptoms 4 days before surgery, will I be able to have surgery?

Question

My TT surgery is on Friday and I have cold symptoms today (Mon). My PS office called in ZPak which I started today. Should I go in for the surgery? I have a mild headache, a mild cough & a mild irritation in my nose and throat. My drs office said if I don't have a fever or redness in my throat, I will be able to get my surgery this Friday, what is the general consensus? TIA.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your surgeon says it’s okay to proceed with surgery, then it should be fine. Normally, rescheduling the surgery to when you’re in better condition would be ideal. It would also improve the whole experience, since you wouldn’t have to deal with your symptoms in addition to recovering from your surgery.

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

While feeling less than completely healthy at the time of your abdominoplasty is suboptimal, it may be reasonable to proceed if your symptoms are mild. It's smart to keep in contact with your surgeon so that he/she can help make the best decision with regards to proceeding or postponing your procedure. Fevers and sputum production would be reasons to postpone the date of your surgery. Hope you feel better soon.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If in the unfortunate circumstance that you get sick before your surgery, you may have postpone your surgery until you are better again.  If you are feeling sick, I would discuss with your surgeon who may help you decide depending on your individual symptoms.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If no fever or chills, this may be reasonable.  However, with tummy tuck, coughing or sneezing may hurt more than after other procedures, where plication is not performed.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Sounds like your surgeons office is advising you correctly. It is good that you let them know in advance, they do not want you to have any complications. Hopefully it is only allergies and you will be able to proceed with your surgery, but if it needs to be rescheduled be grateful that your safety comes first. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You really won't know for sure until the nite before surgery. If you have a fever or feel really lousy the. Night before surgery, your surgeon will probably recommend waiting til you are better. It was wise if you to let your surgeon know well in advance of the surgery so they can make alternative arrangements if needed.

Dev Wali, MD · Answer

You may not be sick and this may simply be allergy related.  It could also be the beginning of the flu or other illness.  This is where the judgement of your doctors is needed to make this decision.  Medicine is art and science and there is no absolute right or absolute wrong answer.  Most things in medicine are a vast gray area which require trained physicians to make judgement calls.

	If your doctors feel it is safe and you do not have a fever or other concerning symptoms it should not be a problem.

Jeffrey Claiborne, MD · Answer

LA007:
For me, I postpone surgery if my patients have a temporary ailment. There is no reason to have elective surgery while you are sick. Wait until you are healthier to fully optimize your healing and recovery. If this is simply some allergies that can be controlled with an antihistamine, that would be different. Best of luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns prior to your day of surgery. Generally speaking, patients undergoing elective surgery should be at their optimal (or close to) level of health prior to proceeding. It is especially important that there be no compromise of pulmonary function or active source of infection present.
Your plastic surgeon will be the only relevant resource when it comes to determining your ability to proceed at this time.
Best wishes.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as you do not have constitutional symptoms with fever and chills and your airway is not irritated then you are OK. Remember this is elective surgery and can be rescheduled

Cold symptoms 4 days before surgery, will I be able to have surgery?

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