Reader Question: Drinking Alcohol Before Surgery
Reader Question: I’m having surgery next week. Can I still have a cocktail to celebrate New Years Eve?
Pre-surgery instructions include many do’s and don’ts. One of the most frequent questions I hear relates to alcohol use before and after surgery. I advise my patients not to have any alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) for one week before surgery, also to refrain from having any alcoholic beverages for two days after your surgery date and to not resume as long as you are taking prescription medications.
Numerous studies have been done about the effects and risks from alcohol and drinking prior to surgery. Alcohol interferes with anesthetic medicines and may contribute to excessive bleeding. If you might have difficulty in complying with these restrictions, it is important to address your concerns with your physician prior to surgery.
