Is having surgery less than a week after low grade fever still safe?

Question

My BA was scheduled for yesterday, April 25th. Upon taking my vitals my temp read 99.1. So I am now rescheduled for this coming Monday, May 2nd. My bloodwork is normal, and psychical was fine. My surgeon prescribed my antibiotics for 5 days. Today, my temp is reading around 98.8 -98.1. The surgeon said if I am back to normal once the antibioitcs are completed (Friday) we can go ahead with surgery. Is this still safe? Do I need more time without a fever pre op?

Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unclear what is beating treated with the antibiotics here. If you blood work is normal and your temperature is around 99.1, you have no signs of any infection. If you are symptom free such as urinary or respiratory symptoms, then in my opinion no treatment is indicated and it is safe to proceed with surgery. Good luck!

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

You should be fine.  Based on the information you have provided, I would not be too worried.  Enjoy your transformation. All the best.  Dr Vasisht

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

It sounds like whatever you were having is resolving. There may be more of a delay if you had something like a chest cold, but as long as yous surgeon and anesthesiologist deem it safe to undergo the procedure you should be just fine.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

You should proceed with your surgery when you feel well and have shown clinical improvement as per you physician's judgement. Your convalescence will depend upon the cause of your fever. Discuss your concerwith your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

What was being treated?  If you have healed from whatever you had( let's say a UTI) then it is probably ok, but really you would have to be seen in person tan properly evaluated. Each patient is different.

Is having surgery less than a week after low grade fever still safe?

Answers (5)