Dr. Michael P. Lachance, M.D.

A minor procedure would also be a short, uncomplicated procedure. Patients with dementia tend to have more issues with long, painful and complicated procedures. For short procedures short acting anesthesia meds can be used so the patient will be back to their preop status quickly.

This is a question that your Cardiologist really should be answering.

Good question. There are surgeries that do not require that a Blood Thinner be stopped. Also in my practice we will check with the Doctor that has you on Blood Thinners so they can tell us if it needs to be stopped. If it can not be stopped we will then setup "Bridge therapy" where a short acting Blood Thinner is started at the same time that your regular Blood Thinner is stopped. This Bridge Therapy can be stopped the Day of Surgery so you can safely have surgery off Blood Thinners. The Bridge therapy Blood Thinner is then restarted postop till you are ready to start your regular med again.

I would recommend that you contact a NeuroSurgeon ASAP.

Yes, that is the doctor's decision based on their review of your chart and the type of surgery you are having.

The nausea rate is less than it was in the past but is somewhat dependent on what Anesthesia meds were given and what type of Surgery it was. Certain surgeries definitely have higher nausea rates. Total IntraVenous Anesthesia or TIVA has a lower rate of nausea than the gas agents. Certain meds like Zofran are often given to help prevent nausea but nothing is 100% effective for prevention.

Procedural anesthesia for such things as colonoscopies is really just sedation, commonly using propofol. Surgical anesthesia is General Anesthesia, more meds and a deep level of unconsciousness.

These vitamins, B12, probiotic, Vit D, are OK to continue but there are some vitamins that have the potential to increase bleeding, such as Vit E, so it is always good to check with your Doctors before your procedure date.