Alcohol

If you don’t drink then jump straight to the next section Anaemia

What should I do now – However much you drink, cutting down is sensible before an operation.

Drinking excess alcohol increases your risk for an operation by 4-5 times. Reducing or stopping before your operation (best at least 1 month ahead but earlier the better) reduces that risk

Drinking alcohol is part of the culture for many people and there is new and clear information and guidelines about the long term effects of hazardous drinking.

However for the operative period there is a specific and clear 4-5 times increase in risk from hazardous drinking.

 

Why should I stop/cut down

Evidence suggests that abstinence (stopping drink completely) for 1 month prior to surgery allows most of the damage alcohol can do  relevant to surgery to return to normal.

What should I do

Many people decide from time to time to have a “dry month” in January, or for Lent etc.  This might be a good time to do the same now.

If you drink less than 30 units a week most people can stop without problems though it is important to find some other activity to do instead of the time spent drinking.

If you drink much more than 30 units per week then you might find it more difficult (or dangerous if you drink a lot more) to stop suddenly, and it is often safer to cut down you drinking by half initially.

Drinkaware website has a simple unit and calories calculator

They also have an app available from here

If you don’t drink then jump straight to the next section Anaemia

 

Evidence about alcohol and operations

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