Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/30/2009

Question
I am 55 years old and need a d&c and polyp removal. I have mild leakage in an aortic valve and leaking in a mitral valve. Are there any precautions I have to take before surgery. Should I take an antibiotic before the surgery? I've been told you should discontinue all vitamin supplements and medications prior to surgery. I take amitryptilne 25 mgs. once a day and iron supplements among other vitamin supplements. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Answer
Your surgeon will tell you about any antibiotics you may need but my feeling is they will just give you the antibiotics IV right before surgery. As for other meds, your anesthesiologist will tell you what meds to take or not. The only medicine of concern is the amitryptiline and it is up to them whether to take it or not. There is no problem with the iron or vitamins but, again, your anesthesiologist is the final word.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston