Positive Health Online

Abstract

TSEN and colleagues, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA quantified the use of herbal remedies and vitamins in the pre-surgical population of a large tertiary care centre.

Background

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicines, which has implications for anaesthesiologists regarding possible drug interactions, side effects and medical liability .

Methodology

Over an 11-week period, all patients presenting for evaluation in the pre-operative clinic were asked to complete a 1-page questionnaire regarding use of prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies and vitamins.

Results

22% of pre-surgical patients reported using herbal remedies and 51% used vitamins . Women and patients aged 40-60 years were more likely to use herbal medicines than men or other age groups respectively. Use of over-the-counter medicines was strongly associated with use of herbal preparations. The most commonly used herbal preparations (from highest to lowest) were: echinacea, gingko biloba, St. John's wort, garlic and ginseng .

Conclusion

Use of complementary/alternative medicines is common in the pre-operative period .

References

Tsen LC et al. Alternative medicine use in presurgical patients. Anesthesiology 93 (1): 148-51. Jul 2000.