Bleeding risk of dietary supplements: A hidden nightmare for cardiac surgeons

We report a 55-year-old man who underwent off-pump bypass surgery and had diffuse oozing and bruising postoperatively. His hematological profile had been normal preoperatively and he had been off antiplatelets for a week prior to surgery. Postoperatively, a detailed talk revealed that he had been on dietary supplements containing fish oil and garlic – both of which are known to affect platelet function. It behooves the surgeon and anesthetist to screen all patients preoperatively for the possibility of intake of any dietary supplements taken by the patient.