Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/14/2006

Question
I am having surgery this Thursday.  I seem to have developed a cold this past Sunday (from my husband).  I have been taking Claritin D and some liquid Tylenol cold medicine which is helping.  My symptoms are: runny nose, sneezing, back pain and that is about it, no fever or anything.  Is it safe for me to undergo surgery with a cold? I have been waiting months to have this surgery and would have to wait even longer if I postpone it.

Thank you,
Stephanie

Answer
That will be up to the anesthesiologist and surgeon and depends on what kind of surgery. If the surgery can be done under regional anesthesia, then the likely answer is yes. If the surgery requires a medical prosthesis insertion (e.g. mesh, artificial knee, etc), then probably not. You should certainly check with your surgeon and let them know your symptoms  so they can make a decision.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston