Patient Awareness and Knowledge about Bleeding Risks Associated with Common Dietary Supplements

Background Post-operative complications such as bleeding, hematoma formation and abnormal healing may be mitigated by withholding selected over-the-counter products including dietary supplements. Little is known about patients’ knowledge on this subject. Objective To assess participants’ baseline knowledge about common over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, herbal/botanical products as well as other substances (e.g., alcohol) that can be associated, if ingested, with an increased risk of bleeding during outpatient surgical procedures. Methods A survey administered to a willing consecutive sample of adults regarding their: baseline knowledge about possible bleeding risks associated with commonly taken dietary supplements and products; personal use of supplements and alcohol; history of post-procedural bleeding or healing issues; and personal demographic characteristics. Results One hundred and two participants completed the survey (93% response rate). Overall knowledge of risks was low (average score = 8/56 = 14%). Gender, supplement usage or non-usage, and use of prescription anticoagulants did not significantly impact score. Increasing age was negatively correlated with score. 69% of participants reported routinely taking supplements of any kind. 88% thought receiving information on this topic before surgical procedures about supplements that could affect procedure-related bleeding would be helpful. Conclusion Most participants were unaware of the potential bleeding risks of common dietary supplements but wanted education on the topic. Pre-operative education that encourages patients to hold selected supplements and other ingested substances may reduce peri-operative bleeding risk associated with cutaneous surgery.