Should surgery be postponed if I am sick?
It is important to discuss your medical history and current health with your doctor before undergoing surgery. Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and determine if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. In general, surgery may be postponed if you have an active infection, fever, or other acute medical condition. Some specific conditions that may lead to a postponement of surgery include:
1. Active infections: If you are sick with an active infection, such as a respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, or skin infection, your doctor may postpone your surgery to allow the infection to be treated. This is because having an infection can increase the risk of complications after surgery, such as surgical site infections and delayed wound healing.
2. Fever: A high fever can indicate an infection or other medical condition that may need to be addressed before surgery. Your doctor may order tests to determine the cause of the fever and recommend appropriate treatment.
3. Uncontrolled medical conditions: If you have an uncontrolled medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, your doctor may postpone your surgery until the condition is stabilized. This is because these conditions can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
4. Recent vaccinations: If you have recently received a live vaccine, such as the MMR or chicken pox vaccine, your doctor may postpone your surgery to allow your immune system to fully respond to the vaccine. Live vaccines can weaken your immune system temporarily, which can increase your risk of infections after surgery.
5. Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, your doctor will likely postpone elective surgeries until after the pregnancy. However, emergency surgeries may be necessary during pregnancy if the mother's health or the baby's health is in jeopardy.
It is important to be honest with your doctor about your medical history and current health to ensure that you receive the safest and most appropriate surgical care.