People who drink alcoholic beverages are at higher risk of complications during and after surgery. Alcohol consumption can reduce heart and immune system function, prolong bleeding time, and increase the body’s stress response. The less alcohol you drink before surgery, the better. In this video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical and post-operative risks for people who consume alcohol in the days or weeks leading up to surgery.
Note, this video was recorded prior to January 2023 Canadian guideline update. The report titled Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health reflects the most recent data and methods that have evolved since the guidelines were released in 2011.
Learn the answers to the following questions:
2:14 - What is low-risk drinking?
6:01 - What are some of the potential surgical complications?
9:29 - What are some of the potential post-operative risks?
12:44 - How can you safely reduce alcohol consumption before surgery?
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