The increasing use of cannabis products has led to common questions regarding their safety before surgical procedures. Patients often wonder about the potential impact of cannabis on their health during and after surgery. Providing medical professionals with accurate information about cannabis use is important to ensure patient safety and optimize care. This proactive communication allows healthcare teams to prepare for any potential interactions or complications.
How Cannabis Affects Surgery
Cannabis can influence the body’s response to anesthesia, often necessitating adjustments in medication dosages. Regular cannabis users may require higher amounts of anesthetic agents, such as propofol, to achieve necessary sedation. This increased requirement is due to how cannabis interacts with the body’s receptors, making it more challenging for anesthesiologists to regulate vital signs like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate during the procedure.
The respiratory system is particularly susceptible to the effects of smoked cannabis. Smoking irritates the airways, potentially leading to increased mucus production, wheezing, and coughing. These respiratory issues can complicate the placement of a breathing tube during anesthesia and heighten the risk of breathing difficulties or pneumonia after surgery. Additionally, smoking cannabis can cause the uvula to swell, which may last for 12 to 24 hours and interfere with breathing and intubation.
Cannabis use can also impact the cardiovascular system. It can cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, with lower or moderate doses often leading to increases, while higher doses may result in decreases. These changes can elevate the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes. Reduced oxygen levels in the blood, a potential consequence of cannabis use, might affect the body’s ability to heal surgical wounds efficiently.
Managing pain after surgery can also become more complex for individuals who use cannabis regularly. Chronic cannabis use has been linked to higher reported pain levels and a greater need for pain medications, including opioids, in the postoperative period. Cannabis users might develop a tolerance to certain pain relievers, potentially making pain control more challenging.
Why Inform Your Medical Team
Disclosing cannabis use to your surgical team is important for personalized and safe medical care. Healthcare providers rely on this information to customize anesthesia plans and anticipate any potential complications during or after surgery. This allows them to adjust medication dosages and prepare for individual needs.
Providing this information enables the medical team to implement proactive measures to reduce risks associated with cannabis use. For instance, they might conduct additional pre-operative respiratory evaluations or plan alternative pain management strategies. All medical information shared is kept confidential.
When to Stop Cannabis Use
Medical professionals generally advise stopping cannabis use as far in advance of surgery as possible. A common recommendation for smoked cannabis is to cease use at least 72 hours before a procedure for respiratory improvement and clearance of cannabis compounds. However, some guidelines suggest a longer period, such as two to four weeks, to maximize benefits for respiratory function.
The precise timeline for cessation can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the frequency and amount of cannabis consumed, the specific type of cannabis product used, and the nature of the surgical procedure. Chronic users may have saturated receptors in their bodies, influencing the necessary withdrawal period.
Only a medical professional can provide a tailored recommendation based on an individual’s health status and the details of their surgical plan. Sudden cessation of cannabis use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which might affect comfort and recovery.
Considerations for Other Cannabis Products
While smoking cannabis carries specific respiratory risks, other cannabis products also warrant attention before surgery. Edibles and oils do not pose the same inhalation-related concerns but still contain active compounds like THC and CBD. These compounds can influence the effects of anesthesia and impact pain management strategies. The effects of edibles, in particular, can be longer-lasting and less predictable compared to inhaled forms. Additionally, consuming edibles too close to surgery can carry aspiration risks, similar to consuming food or drink.
Even products containing primarily CBD, which is non-psychoactive, can interact with certain medications and affect liver enzymes. This highlights the importance of disclosing the use of all forms of cannabis products to your medical team to ensure the safest possible outcome.