Your Colombian surgeon will send you a pre-operative checklist. Everything on it is there for a medical reason. Completing it fully and on time is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. This guide walks through what surgeons across specialties typically require, why each item matters, and what happens if you show up without it.
The Standard Pre-Op Requirements
While specifics vary by surgeon and procedure, the following items appear on nearly every pre-operative checklist for international patients coming to Colombia:
1. Lab Work (Examenes de Laboratorio)
Your surgeon will specify which blood tests you need. Most require labs completed within 30 days of your procedure date. Standard panels include:
| Test | Why It Matters | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC / hemograma) | Checks for anemia, infection, clotting cell counts | Any lab or your PCP at home |
| Basic metabolic panel (BMP) | Kidney function, electrolytes, blood sugar | Any lab or your PCP at home |
| Coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT) | Blood clotting ability, critical for surgical safety | Any lab or your PCP at home |
| Blood type and Rh factor | Required in case transfusion is needed | Any lab (one-time result, does not expire) |
| HIV / Hepatitis B & C | Surgical safety protocol, affects instrument handling | Any lab or your PCP at home |
| Pregnancy test (women under 55) | Surgery under general anesthesia requires confirmed non-pregnancy | Any lab; urine test is usually acceptable |
| EKG / Electrocardiogram | Heart rhythm screening, required for general anesthesia | Your PCP or cardiologist at home |
| Chest X-ray (patients over 40-45) | Lung screening for anesthesia clearance | Imaging center at home or in Colombia |
Get Labs Done at Home Before You Travel
You have two options: complete labs at home and send results to your Colombian surgeon, or get them done in Colombia upon arrival. Most experienced medical tourism surgeons recommend doing labs at home. This gives time to address any abnormalities before you travel. If your hemoglobin is low, your potassium is off, or your EKG shows something unexpected, it is far better to discover this a week before your trip than the day before your surgery. Labs in Colombia are fast and inexpensive (a full panel typically costs $30 to $80), but the timeline advantage of doing them at home is significant.
2. Medical History and Medication List
Your surgeon needs a complete picture of your health. Prepare a typed document (not handwritten) that includes:
- All current medications (generic names, dosages, and frequency)
- All allergies (medications, latex, anesthesia reactions, food allergies relevant to hospital settings)
- Previous surgeries (with approximate dates)
- Current and past medical conditions
- Family history of anesthesia complications (malignant hyperthermia, pseudocholinesterase deficiency)
- History of blood clots (DVT, PE) in you or immediate family
- Smoking status and alcohol use (be honest, your safety depends on it)
3. Medications to Stop Before Surgery
Your surgeon will provide a specific list, but nearly every surgeon requires stopping these:
| Medication/Supplement | Stop How Far Before? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | 7-14 days | Inhibits platelet function, increases bleeding |
| Ibuprofen / Naproxen (NSAIDs) | 7 days | Same bleeding risk as aspirin |
| Fish oil / Omega-3 | 7-10 days | Blood-thinning effect |
| Vitamin E (high dose) | 7-10 days | Increases bruising and bleeding |
| Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger supplements | 7-14 days | Blood-thinning properties |
| Hormonal birth control | Surgeon-specific | Increases DVT risk under anesthesia |
| Blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis) | Surgeon + PCP coordination | Major bleed risk; requires bridging plan |
| GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro) | 7-14 days | Delayed gastric emptying increases aspiration risk |
GLP-1 Medications: A Newer Risk Factor
If you take semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), or any GLP-1 agonist, inform your surgeon immediately. These medications delay gastric emptying, meaning food remains in your stomach longer than normal. Under general anesthesia, this significantly increases the risk of aspiration (stomach contents entering your lungs). Most anesthesiologists now require stopping GLP-1s 7 to 14 days before surgery.
4. Physical Preparation
Beyond labs and medications, your surgeon expects you to arrive in the best possible physical condition:
- No smoking for 4 to 6 weeks before surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and dramatically impairs wound healing. This includes vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. If you cannot quit for 6 weeks, discuss this honestly with your surgeon. Some procedures carry unacceptable risk in active smokers.
- No alcohol for 2 weeks before surgery. Alcohol thins blood and affects liver function.
- Hydrate aggressively. Well-hydrated patients have easier IV access, better anesthesia response, and faster recovery. Aim for 2 to 3 liters of water daily in the week before surgery.
- Eat clean. Balanced nutrition supports healing. High-protein, low-sodium meals in the two weeks before surgery reduce post-operative swelling and accelerate tissue repair.
What Happens If You Arrive Unprepared
Colombian surgeons take pre-operative preparation seriously. If you arrive without required labs, with contraindicated medications still in your system, or with undisclosed medical conditions, one of three things happens:
- Emergency labs in Colombia. If you are missing bloodwork, most clinics can arrange same-day labs at a local laboratory. Results typically come back within 4 to 8 hours. This compresses your timeline but is doable.
- Surgery postponement. If your labs reveal a problem (anemia, abnormal coagulation, elevated blood sugar), your surgeon will postpone until the issue is resolved. This may mean rescheduling your entire trip.
- Surgery cancellation. If you have taken blood thinners or NSAIDs within the stop window, or if you test positive for nicotine and your surgeon's policy prohibits operating on smokers, the surgery is canceled. You will not receive a refund for the surgeon's time or clinic booking in most cases.
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Get in Touch WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Can I do all my labs in Colombia instead of at home?
Yes, and many patients do. Labs in Colombia are fast and inexpensive. But doing them at home gives you time to address any issues before traveling. The safest approach is labs at home 2 to 3 weeks before travel, with results sent to your surgeon for review.
What if I forgot to stop a supplement?
Tell your surgeon immediately. Honesty protects you. Depending on the supplement, your surgeon may adjust the surgical plan, add precautions, or in some cases postpone. Concealing this information creates real danger during surgery.
BMI and Weight Requirements
Many surgeons in Colombia set BMI (Body Mass Index) limits for certain procedures. This is a safety requirement, not an aesthetic preference. Higher BMI increases anesthesia risk, surgical complications, wound healing problems, and post-operative infections. Common thresholds:
- Cosmetic body procedures (tummy tuck, liposuction, BBL): Most surgeons require a BMI below 30 to 32. Some will operate up to 35 with additional clearances.
- Bariatric surgery: Typically requires BMI above 35 (or above 30 with comorbidities). Your surgeon may also require a period of supervised weight loss before operating.
- Breast procedures: BMI limits are less strict, typically below 35.
- Dental and LASIK: No BMI restrictions in most cases.
If your BMI is borderline, your surgeon may require additional clearances: cardiac evaluation, pulmonary function testing, or clearance from an internal medicine specialist. These tests can be done at home or in Colombia, but doing them at home gives more lead time to address any issues discovered. Be honest about your weight. Surgeons in Colombia will weigh you at the pre-op consultation, and a significant discrepancy between your stated and actual weight can delay or cancel surgery.