Tag: Perioperative care

In a 2014 study published in *International Immunopharmacology*, researchers observed that gabapentin significantly decreased plasma cortisol levels in women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy compared to a placebo group. The question of **does gabapentin affect your cortisol levels?** has complex implications, suggesting the medication can influence the body's stress response.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification was introduced in 1941 to provide a standardized method for assessing a patient's medical comorbidities. The designation **what is ASA physical status 2 emergent?** refers to a patient with a mild systemic disease who requires an urgent surgical procedure.

While primarily known as a local anesthetic, lidocaine is increasingly recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties that extend beyond its pain-numbing effects. Recent clinical and preclinical studies highlight lidocaine's ability to modulate the body's immune response, suggesting it could play a significant role in managing excessive inflammation.

According to a 2019 study, general anesthesia is typically achieved using a combination of intravenous anesthetics, inhalational agents, and other adjunct medications. So, **what drugs are used for surgery**? The specific cocktail of medications is carefully chosen and administered by an anesthesiologist to ensure a patient's safety, comfort, and lack of awareness during the procedure.

According to research published by the American Heart Association, roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, many unaware of their potential drug interactions. A significant number of these products can interfere with blood clotting, raising the critical question: what supplements increase bleeding risk? Understanding these interactions is essential for patient safety, especially for those on blood-thinning medication or preparing for surgery.

Metoprolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers in the US, widely used to treat various cardiovascular conditions. However, knowing when should you hold metoprolol is crucial for patient safety, as administering it under certain circumstances can lead to serious adverse effects.

Patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy for at least 30 days before surgery may have wound complication rates that are two to five times higher than non-users [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. This raises a critical question for many: **Does prednisone interfere with healing after surgery?**

According to UK clinical guidelines, patients should be advised to continue their regular medications, including phenytoin, on the day of surgery unless specifically instructed otherwise by their doctor. This is because managing your anti-seizure medication is a critical aspect of surgical preparation, requiring careful coordination with your healthcare team to ensure a safe procedure and prevent complications.

With millions of surgical procedures performed annually on individuals with hypertension, understanding medication protocols is crucial. For those on **amlodipine**, a common calcium channel blocker, the question of whether you can take amlodipine before surgery requires careful consideration and consultation with your healthcare team. While the general consensus supports continuation, this decision is often balanced against other patient-specific factors.

Research indicates that nearly half of all surgical patients experience preoperative anxiety, and many welcome anxiolytic medication to help them relax before the procedure. To address this common concern, anesthesiologists will often prescribe a specific type of anti-anxiety medication before surgery to ensure a smoother, calmer experience.