Surgical Considerations in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Surgical Considerations in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

A Living Signal Research Evidence-Based Doctor Handout

This evidence based handout was created to bridge the gap between patients and surgical teams working with complex connective tissue and autonomic disorders. It summarizes findings from 20 peer-reviewed medical sources to improve safety, awareness, and collaboration during surgical planning and recovery.

Designed for both patients and providers, this 8-page PDF explains why individuals with Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and overlapping conditions such as Dysautonomia/POTS and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) require specialized awareness before, during, and after surgery.

Inside This Handout:

• Tissue & Vascular Fragility – Why standard surgical handling can increase risk of tearing or delayed healing.
• Anesthetic & Autonomic Factors – Evidence on variable anesthesia response, dysautonomic instability, and airway precautions.
• Pharmacologic & Infusion Variability – How EDS/POTS can cause rapid absorption or slow clearance, unpredictable onset, and sensitivity to infusion rates.
• Thermoregulation & Infection Risk – The impact of autonomic dysfunction on temperature control, wound recovery, and infection susceptibility.
• Trauma-Informed Surgical Communication – Frameworks from behavioral medicine that reduce medical trauma and anxiety-related autonomic spikes.
• 20 Peer-Reviewed Citations – Covering anesthesiology, genetics, immunology, autonomic medicine, and trauma-informed care.

Who It’s For

• Patients preparing for surgery who want to educate their care team.
• Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff seeking concise, credible summaries.
• Advocates, caregivers, and researchers coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Format

• 8 page printable PDF (8.5x11")
• Professionally formatted and citation-supported
• Ideal for pre-surgical appointments, anesthesia consults, or hospital records

Part of the Living Signal Advocacy Library, a growing collection of peer-reviewed, evidence based tools designed to strengthen communication between patients and providers treating connective tissue, autonomic, and mast cell disorders.

Disclaimer

Compiled by Melissa Madrigal, Living Signal Research. This document summarizes peer-reviewed literature for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Clinical decisions must be made by licensed professionals in accordance with institutional protocols.

© 2025 Living Signal Research | Educational Summary – Not Medical Advice