Blood Test

[Expatlad]

I'm curious to know whether a blood test is mandatory prior to surgery and if so then why?

I've got surgery booked early next month in the UK and i'm told that I don't need to get a blood test? However, from the posts I've seen online it looks like the vast majority of patients get a blood test first?

Naturally I trust the surgeon, however, i'm just curious to know what it for?

Is it a hormone test or what?

Cheers,

Rob

[Litlriki]

In the majority of my young healthy male patients, I don't do any lab work prior to surgery.  The only indication would be new onset gynecomastia in a post-adolescent without a clear cause, or someone with other issues that would guide any testing.

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Agree with Dr. Silverman.  For most of my patients with long term and stable gynecomastia, doing a hormone blood evaluation will yield minimal results.  However, if confronted by a history of recent growth, tenderness or enlargement, then a thorough pre-operative workup is indicated.  It is best to find the cause of the problem -- and treat it if possible -- prior to any surgery.

Dr Jacobs