Herbal medications and plastic surgery: a hidden danger

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Herbal medicine is a significant industry, with ~10% of the UK population using supplements alongside prescription drugs.
• Lack of awareness regarding adverse effects of herbal medicines among patients and healthcare practitioners is a concern.
• Over-the-counter availability and lack of routine inquiry contribute to underreporting of herbal supplement use.

Observation:

• A 39-year-old nurse experienced persistent postoperative complications, including drain output, seroma formation, and bleeding, after abdominoplasty.
• These complications required repeated medical interventions over a 10-month period.
• It was discovered the patient was using a herbal menopause supplement with known anticoagulant properties.

Findings:

• Herbal supplements can possess significant anticoagulant, cardiovascular, and sedative effects.
• The case underscores the potential for undisclosed herbal supplement use to complicate surgical outcomes.
• Complementary medicine education is limited in UK medical schools, and such use is not routinely discussed in clinical settings.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should routinely inquire about complementary and herbal medication use.
• Patients should be advised to disclose all supplements, especially before surgical procedures.
• Increased awareness and questioning regarding herbal products are crucial for patient safety and surgical preparedness.