Having an operation: What does the surgeon need to know about MPN?

From Google AI:

Preparing for surgery with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) taking Hydroxyurea (HU) requires strict collaboration between a hematologist and surgeon to manage bleeding and thrombosis risks. Key steps involve optimizing platelet counts (often via continued or adjusted HU), temporary cessation of blood thinners like aspirin, managing skin hygiene to prevent infection, and utilizing prophylactic measures to prevent post-surgical clots.

Key Pre-Surgery Preparations
Multidisciplinary Consultation: Ensure your surgeon is in close contact with your hematologist to review your CBC (Complete Blood Count) and manage the surgical plan.
Platelet Management: HU is often continued, but dosage may be adjusted, or in some cases, treatments like plateletpheresis may be used to quickly reduce high platelet counts before surgery.
Medication Adjustments: Typically, you will be instructed to stop anti-platelet agents (e.g., aspirin) for about one week prior. Your doctor may modify or switch other medications like Warfarin or similar drugs to heparin, say MPN Voice.
Infection Control: Use chlorhexidine soap/wipes to clean your skin for 3 days before surgery, particularly in areas like underarms and the groin, to reduce bacteria.
Blood Clot Prevention: Because ET increases the risk of clotting, you may receive Heparin post-surgery to prevent blood clots.
Diet and Lifestyle: Stop smoking/alcohol at least 2 weeks prior. Adhere to the "nothing by mouth" (NPO) guidelines provided by the hospital, usually avoiding solid foods after midnight.

Actionable Checklist
Inform all doctors about all medications (including herbs and supplements).
Arrange for someone to pick you up.
Prep a care package for recovery (protein-heavy food, comfortable clothes).
Review with your care team if a platelet-lowering procedure is necessary immediately before surgery.

When is your procedure, lynnebgraham?

@janemc Thank you and AI for that comprehensive recap. I have AML and am in remission.
Meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday to schedule gall bladder removal and will present your post. Will also send to my HEM/Onc.

@sonieaml

All good wishes to you, sonieaml!

The type of surgery may determine prep, but I've been told by my cardiologist that clot risks are the major concern. I think it's important that the surgeon and oncologist work out a surgical plan together. Would be great if some folks who have had successful surgeries with ET could weigh in!

@nohrt4me
That is a great idea…and any of us having surgery while still in treatment for cancer may want to share their experience through the process!
So I Googled search terms applicable to me; not certain why I didn’t think of that to begin with???
THOSE are the findings I will share with my Surgeon and Hem/Onc.
Prayers for/to all.