Should I take iron pills prior to surgery?

Question

Hello, I am just wondering if I should take iron supplements prior to my surgery which is scheduled for June 27th. I had a hysterectomy in late December and I was recommended by my doctor then. I am looking at the list but I don know if iron pills are considered a vitamin supplement? Regards Joanne

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

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners" and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain, Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you. We typically allow our patients to continue their supplements 10 days post op if their recovery is going well.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I have my patients take a multivitamin before surgery.  This usually has a good amount of iron in it already.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear coconutjothank you for your question! General supplementation can be helpful with preparation and recovery for surgery - we have a program for this which has greatly improved patient's experiences and decreased complications . Iron supplement is needed if your blood level is low. Some iron supplements can upset digestion - and should be carefully considered - as it may inhibit proper nutrient absorption. With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Iron supplements are used when patients have a low hemoglobin blood level and are either symptomatic or are planning to have a surgery in which significant blood loss is expected or possible. There is often some unwanted bleeding associated with a hysterectomy but not really for a breast augmentation. It is unlikely that iron supplements will significantly affect your breast surgery. But if you have a chronic low hemoglobin level (anemia), taking the iron supplements can be helpful for your everyday life.

Gary Motykie, MD · Answer

If you are healthy, there is no need for increased
iron consumption.  If you have anemia,
there could be several causes for this. 
We routinely require bloodwork as part of the pre-operative assessment
and are able to evaluate your blood cell count at that time.  If you do have anemia then further workup
will need to be performed to get your blood cell count levels within normal
range.

Should I take iron pills prior to surgery?

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Answer: Iron Pills Prior to Surgery

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Should I take iron pills prior to surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Iron supplements for breast augmentation

Answer: Iron supplements for breast augmentation

Answer: Iron Pills Prior to Surgery

Answer: Iron Pills Prior to Surgery

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