Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/15/2010

Question
My upcoming operation is a short, under one hour, superficial operation (testicular prosthesis) under general anesthesia. I have a minor stuffy nose, and a ticklish throat just starting today. Surgery is in three days.
Under what conditions will a surgeon decide not to operate,
specifically, which cold SYMPTOMS might be a problem: stuffy nose, cough, minor or major cough, sore throat, etc.??
Can you take cold medication for symptoms before surgery (right now I am not)?

Answer
Generally, if you have a fever, productive sputum or other indications of an upper respiratory infection, the surgeon might cancel the case. Stuffy nose is usually not enough to cancel.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston