Medications
Steroids Before Surgery
Long-term steroid tablets need careful handling around surgery — stopping them suddenly is the real danger.
Quick answer
Why it matters
Taking steroids for weeks or longer tells your adrenal glands to slow their own production. If you stop suddenly, your body can't make the extra steroid that the stress of surgery demands — leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure called an adrenal crisis.
To prevent this, anesthesia teams often give extra steroid cover around the operation and continue your usual dose.
Do not stop without instruction
What to ask your doctor
- Should I take my steroid as usual on the morning of surgery?
- Do I need an extra 'stress dose' for this surgery?
- How long have I been on steroids — does that change the plan?
- What are the warning signs of adrenal crisis to watch for?
Red flags — call your team
Red flags — call your team
- You've taken regular steroids for several weeks or more
- Feeling very weak, dizzy, faint, or nauseated
- You recently stopped steroids suddenly
References
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) — perioperative steroid management. asahq.org
- Endocrine peri-operative (stress-dose steroid) guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I stop steroids before surgery?
No. Long-term steroids should not be stopped abruptly. Continue them and tell your team, as you may need an extra stress dose around surgery.
What is a stress dose of steroids?
Extra steroid given around surgery to replace what your body would normally make under stress, preventing a dangerous drop in blood pressure (adrenal crisis).