Surgery Safety: What You Need to Know About Medications, Risks, and Preparations

When it comes to surgery safety, the combination of medical procedures, patient health, and medication management that reduces preventable harm before, during, and after operations. Also known as perioperative safety, it’s not just about the surgeon’s skill—it’s about what’s in your system when you go under. Many people assume that if they’re healthy, surgery is low-risk. But the truth is, even minor procedures can turn dangerous because of something as simple as an herbal supplement you’ve been taking for months or a blood pressure pill you forgot to mention to your doctor.

Anticoagulants, medications that thin the blood to prevent clots, commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation or after joint replacements are one of the biggest hidden risks. Garlic supplements, fish oil, even high-dose vitamin E can act like blood thinners too. If you’re on warfarin, apixaban, or another anticoagulant and you take garlic pills before surgery, you could bleed uncontrollably. That’s not speculation—it’s why hospitals ask you to stop these things days before your procedure. Same goes for drug interactions, when two or more medications affect each other’s behavior in your body, sometimes dangerously. Theophylline, used for asthma, can build up to toxic levels if you’re also taking common antibiotics or even caffeine-heavy energy drinks. These aren’t rare cases. They happen every day.

Medication safety, the practice of using drugs correctly to avoid harm, especially in high-risk settings like hospitals and surgical centers isn’t just about getting the right dose. It’s about knowing what’s in your medicine cabinet. Generic pills might have different fillers like lactose or dyes that trigger reactions in sensitive people. Some supplements, like Strophanthus or Kava, might seem natural but can mess with heart rhythm or cause liver damage when mixed with anesthesia. Even something as small as a daily aspirin for heart health can become a problem if you don’t tell your surgical team. And it’s not just about pills—hormone replacement therapy can interfere with seizure meds or thyroid drugs, and benzodiazepines for anxiety can linger in your system and cause breathing issues after surgery.

There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist for surgery safety. What’s safe for one person could be deadly for another. That’s why the best thing you can do is come prepared: write down every pill, patch, tea, or herbal capsule you take. Bring the actual bottles if you can. Ask your pharmacist what might interact with your surgery plan. Don’t assume your doctor knows everything—many don’t track every supplement patients use. The goal isn’t to scare you. It’s to make sure you walk in, go through the procedure, and walk out without an avoidable complication. Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there—how to handle expired meds, what to do about blood thinners, how to talk to your pharmacist, and why even "harmless" supplements need a second look before surgery.