what tests should be done before surgery?

[Yongyuan Wang]

I was wondering tests should be performed before the surgery ? Is CT scan or ultrasound beneficial?

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

CT and ultrasound have possible value in the evaluation of symptoms, e.g. abdominal pain, in the stages before a treatment decision is made. CT and ultrasound have no value in planning surgery. Other tests are required, e.g. blood chemistry.

[Yongyuan Wang]

Wouldn't CT detect anatomical abnormalities that could complicate surgery?
Another question is patients are advised to stop taking blood thinners, but why is heparin given to patients undergoing surgery?

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

CT is essentially useless. It changes nothing in the technical approach.

Blood thinners, e.g. Coumadin, are usually dosed at a therapeutic level that would risk a lot of bleeding at surgery. The heparin used at surgery is controlled, low dose, and easily reversible if needed. It's a matter of dosing and control.

[Yongyuan Wang]

Are sutures done during the surgery absorbable? If not, is there a need or a benefit to remove them eventually after surgery?

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

Yes. They are absorbable.