Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/15/2005

Question
I have surgery scheduled on Monday and it would be HIGHLY inconvenient (for many reasons) to cancel. I am getting over a upper respiratory infection (mostly was just a very stuffy nose and sore throat). I fully expect it to be gone by Monday. However, a friend told me a cold must be gone for several weeks before an anesthesiologist will agree to use general anesthesia on someone. Is that true? Am I still at risk if my symptoms are gone Monday? The surgery should take about 3 hours. Oh, and I took Sudafed for several days. Is that okay? Thanks in advance. Joanne

Answer
Joanne

Sudafed is OK as long as stopped 24 hrs before surgery.

I'm sorry to say that I can't predict what will happen.

The anaesthetist concerned will make a judgement based on

1. urgency of op
2. how well you are on Monday, any residual symptoms from the bug.
3. your general health
4. their own experience

This makes it impossible to say. As an adult if you have fully recovered and you are normally in good health then you should be OK.

Sorry can't help further.

Dr Ian Jackson