Fish Oils Before Surgery: Helpful or Harmful?
Many patients are told to discontinue supplementation with fish oils before elective surgeries because of a concern about bleeding risk. The concern stems from studies in the 1980s and 90s that showed high intakes of fish oil interacted with platelet function. However, recent studies challenge the notion that fish oils pose any risk at all to patients undergoing surgery.
The OPERA trial was one of the largest and most recent investigations into the effects of fish oil in patients preparing for surgery. Spanning 28 medical centers and four countries around the globe, the OPERA trial included more than 1,500 surgical patients. Patients were randomized to take a placebo or 10 grams of fish oil over 3-5 days (or 8 grams over two days) before surgery. On the morning of surgery, those in the fish oil group took another 2 grams.
Results of the OPERA trial showed no difference in any bleeding outcomes between the fish oil and placebo groups. Surprisingly, patients who achieved a higher plasma level of omega-3 fatty acids before surgery had a significantly lower bleeding risk. Fish oil was also found to offer some unexpected potential benefits, such as a reduction in the number of blood transfusions needed after heart surgery.
More studies are needed to confirm the findings of the OPERA trial, but maybe it’s time to rethink the age-old recommendation to stop fish oil supplements before surgery.