Positive Health Online

Abstract

KAYE and co-workers, Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA, Alan.Kaye@ttuhsc.edu, have reviewed (110 references) alternative medicine in perioperative anaesthesia. Abstract: Because of the many reports of adverse effects of herbal preparations, anaesthetists should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the benefits and potential hazards of herbal preparations that are being taken by people as 'nutraceuticals', and should thoroughly inquire each patient's regimen of such supplements. In addition, the education of patients about the potential risks of herbal preparations should be part of each pre-operative assessment. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) suggests that all herbal medicines should be discontinued 2 to 3 weeks before elective surgery. Anaesthetic care in emergency settings should be based on a thorough drug-intake history from the patient or, if necessary, from a relative. There is a need to conduct more studies about the anaesthetic responses to herbal preparations.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Kaye AD, Kucera I, Sabar R. Perioperative anesthesia clinical considerations of alternative medicines. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America 22 (1): 125-139, Mar 2004.

Comment

Herbal medicines are significantly safer than the majority of drugs; according to the risk assessment graph on page 53, 4-5 orders of magnitude safer. However, patients are advised to stop taking herbs for 2 weeks prior to surgery as there is still very little known regarding the anti-clotting factors in herbs and it is prudent to err on the side of caution.