Why You Should Avoid Alcohol Before Surgery

The answer is a clear no—you should not drink alcohol before surgery. If there’s ever a time to avoid alcohol, it’s before undergoing any surgical procedure. Whether it’s cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery, or another type of operation, consuming alcohol beforehand can be extremely dangerous.

While complications are more likely for those with alcohol use disorder, even a single drink in the days leading up to surgery can cause problems. Let’s explore the reasons why.

Alcohol and Anesthesia Don’t Mix

Many surgeries require general anesthesia, which induces a controlled unconsciousness to prevent movement and pain during the procedure. Anesthesia drugs slow down breathing, heart rate, and circulation.

Alcohol has a similar sedative effect, suppressing the central nervous system. It can interfere with how your body absorbs anesthesia, potentially making some drugs less effective. This might require a higher dosage, increasing the risk of heart-related issues, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions.

Additionally, both alcohol and anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting. Combining them raises the risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit), which can lead to pneumonia and even be fatal.

Overwhelms the Liver

Your liver processes both alcohol and anesthesia medications. Having both in your system at the same time can overwhelm the liver, forcing it to work overtime to metabolize these substances. This extra strain can lead to liver stress or failure over time.

Increased Bleeding

Surgery naturally involves bleeding, but your body relies on clotting to control blood loss. Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, interfering with your body’s ability to form clots. This can make it harder to manage bleeding during surgery.

The risk is even greater if you’re taking blood-thinning medications or have a clotting disorder like hemophilia.

Problems With Medications

Alcohol can interact negatively with medications taken before, during, or after surgery. This may cause serious side effects or reduce the effectiveness of drugs like pain relievers, sedatives, or antibiotics.

Complications During Recovery

• Bleeding: Alcohol’s blood-thinning effect can lead to excessive bleeding after surgery, slowing down wound healing and prolonging recovery.
• Infection and Sepsis: Surgical sites are vulnerable to infection. If bacteria enter the wound, it can lead to serious infections or sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
• Extended Recovery Time: Alcohol can impair the function of your liver, pancreas, and nervous system, making it harder for your body to heal and recover efficiently.

When to Stop Drinking Before Surgery

It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery. This allows your body to clear alcohol from your system and reduces the risk of complications.

However, many doctors advise stopping alcohol one to two weeks prior to surgery. This helps improve hydration, liver function, and your body’s ability to process anesthesia, leading to a smoother recovery.

Be Honest With Your Doctor

If you’re scheduled for surgery, it’s crucial to be completely honest with your doctor about your alcohol consumption. Doctors are there to ensure your safety, not to judge you. Withholding information about alcohol use can be life-threatening.

Discuss how much and how often you drink. If you’re concerned about stopping before surgery, your doctor can help create a plan. Note that if your body is dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

If You’ve Already Drunk Alcohol Before Surgery

If you’ve consumed alcohol before surgery, the best step is to tell your doctor immediately. They’ve likely encountered this before and will prioritize your health. In some cases, rescheduling the surgery may be necessary to ensure your safety.

The Bottom Line

Drinking alcohol before surgery is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, including issues with anesthesia, excessive bleeding, and prolonged recovery. Avoid any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery, and ideally stop one to two weeks in advance.

If you find it challenging to control your alcohol intake, consider trying Quitemate. It has helped many people reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their overall well-being.