Surgery after a flight
Discussion
My wife has a gallstone that needs removing, but we have a holiday planned that she is hell bent on going on (my opinion differs - i think she ought to get the op done, but anyway we're going!!!)
We are having the procedure done privately so we have a choice of dates. The surgeon did say something odd though. He said that you have to leave it a month after a flight before undergoing a general. This seems odd to me,
I can't for the life of me fine anything on google corroborating that. Sure no surgery before flight, i get that, but after?????
Could someone medically trained confirm what the reasons are for that advise! We would obviously want it out ASAP upon our return
We are having the procedure done privately so we have a choice of dates. The surgeon did say something odd though. He said that you have to leave it a month after a flight before undergoing a general. This seems odd to me,
I can't for the life of me fine anything on google corroborating that. Sure no surgery before flight, i get that, but after?????
Could someone medically trained confirm what the reasons are for that advise! We would obviously want it out ASAP upon our return
CAPP0 said:
You've probably thought of this but bear in mind that her travel insurance won't cover this if she were to need medical attention whilst you're away. Could end up costly!
Don't know the answer to your question, sorry!
have already informed them, as long as you tell them, it is fine! Thanks for the suggestionDon't know the answer to your question, sorry!
) but my guess is that there is a small risk with any surgery, of blood clots forming internally.Flying tends to make medical problems quickly worse. Medical diversions are common and very rarely deposit pax in a place that they would choose for emergency surgery.
The advice, as mentioned already, will be the DVT risk. An anaesthetic increases the risk significantly. I guess they don't want to start from an already elevated risk caused by a flight.
The advice, as mentioned already, will be the DVT risk. An anaesthetic increases the risk significantly. I guess they don't want to start from an already elevated risk caused by a flight.
Greg_D said:
Thank you all for your imput, but i fear a few of you are missing the point i'm making.
The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
I was told the same thing by my consultant, so I would think there is something in it.
Not worth the risk.
Greg_D said:
Thank you all for your imput, but i fear a few of you are missing the point i'm making.
The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
DVT - there is a risk posed by flying which lasts several weeks after you have got off the plane. Having an operation has it's own DVT risk. Having surgery within 4 weeks of a flight (a 4 hour flight is where the real risk starts kicking in) increases the risk of a DVT, which is a potentially life threatening event. So unless your wife it suffering a life threatening condition, it would seems sensible to stack the odds in her favour and delay to surgery to a less risky time.The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
Greg_D said:
OK, thanks. Will delay the op
Greg - despite the fact that, yes on Pistonheads in particular - there are quite a few professional people who post, including qualified clinicians etc...please also don't forget that, despite our opinions and advice - you're still basically discussing quite difficult, personal and complex health problems with a bunch of unknown virtual internet folk!I think that on this website, you'll probably get some basically good advice - but as said, when it comes to health issues, PLEASE don't take internet advice as gospel, and base decisions on them.
Maybe take the comments on here as an initial bit of info to work with, and THEN seek proper healthcare advice from you GP, clinician or hospital - please??!!!
Greg_D said:
Thank you all for your imput, but i fear a few of you are missing the point i'm making.
The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
the compounding of increased risk factors for DVT The surgeon has said that she shouldn't have surgery for a month after a flight. What physiological issue would be caused by flying that would have an impact on a subsequent operation?
Two flights = increased risk of DVT prolonged sitting in aircraft aside from any other of the morenebulous calims aobut the adverse effects of flying in pressurised aircraft
Surgery = increased risk of DVT due to reduced mobility immediately post op, never mind the issues from prolonged table time , hypovolaemia etc etc etc ...
the surgeon and anesthetist want to reduce the risk by waiting for a period after the flights so that any DVT due to the flights has shown up and so they and the hospital are not (unfairly) blamed for it.
ray is correct to suggest caution over advice given - but when you get several people all posting the same stuff including people known to be / have been Health Professionals it makes sense to give it at least some consideration ... same as if a legal point had breadvan or agtlaw posting advice ...
Edited by mph1977 on Sunday 30th March 14:15
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