Lithium being stopped for major surgery

[ElizabethJane]

I am to have major surgery soon. A mass was found on my kidney and I am to have a partial nephrectomy to remove itThe anaesthetist wants to stop the lithium twenty four hours. She said it was protocol for that surgery. Has anyone else experienced this ?

[panic_down_under]

The anaesthetist wants to stop the lithium twenty four hours. She said it was protocol for that surgery. Has anyone else experienced this ?

It is standard practice to stop lithium medication a day before major surgery partly because it may affect anesthesia and partly because fasting, fluid imbalances and other physiological changes may slow the rate it is metabolised and eliminated. An added factor may be that it is primarily excreted via the kidneys.

Lithium has a half-life of 24-36 hours depending on age, so a brief stoppage shouldn't impact your mental health.

[ElizabethJane]

Thank you for your reply

[panic_down_under]

When are you having the surgery, or have you already had it?

[ElizabethJane]

The op will be performed laparoscopically robotically so minimally invasive. It is for a partial nephrectomy. They have told me mid June but it could be any time.

[panic_down_under]

They have told me mid June but it could be any time.

Good. The sooner the better so you can get back to normal life.