What types of factors do we need to assess the patient for in the pre op period?
Biochemical tests and full blood count are unlikely to affect the outcome of low-risk surgery, but are considered routine before intermediate and high-risk elective surgery. Common blood tests include full blood count (haemoglobin and platelet count), serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine to assess renal function. Show
Identifying anaemia is important in the elderly patient undergoing non-cardiac surgery as it predicts poorer 30-day postoperative outcomes.12 A low platelet count (9/L) requires haematological evaluation. The need for platelet transfusion before or after surgery should be assessed. Where possible, electrolyte disturbances should be corrected before surgery. An estimated glomerular filtration rate 13 and necessitates fastidious monitoring of fluid status during the perioperative and postoperative periods. The need for additional investigations such as fasting glucose, liver function tests, coagulation studies, and group and hold for blood products will depend on the patient’s demographic, clinical status, medical history (including medicines) and type of surgery. For example, patients with a known history of chronic hepatic disorders (e.g. hepatitis B or C, history of autoimmune hepatic disorder or excessive alcohol use) will require consultation with their specialist, as well as evaluation of liver function and coagulation. Similar issues are relevant to patients with cardiac, endocrine, haematological, respiratory and renal illnesses. If you’re planning to have surgery, you’ll want to spend some time preparing. That means taking care of your health, learning as much as you can about the procedure and getting to know the people who will be taking care of you. Planning ahead can help ensure you have a successful procedure and heal faster with a smooth recovery.
What should you do to prepare for surgery?There are several steps you should take before your surgery so you’ll feel as relaxed and confident as possible. Start with answering these questions:
Preparing for Surgery: An Anesthesia ChecklistDownload and print this checklist with the steps you can take to help ensure a successful surgery. Download What do you talk about with the anesthesiologist?Sometime before the day of your surgery, you should meet with your anesthesiologist so he or she can gather information that will help determine the right anesthesia care plan for you. Go to the meeting prepared to discuss your medical history, your health habits, and your past experiences with surgery and anesthesia. Be sure to discuss these things in detail:
Herbal and Dietary Supplements and AnesthesiaLearn how some supplements can affect the anesthesia used to control your pain during surgery or create other surgery-related complication. Download What should you expect right before surgery?As the day of the procedure arrives, plan to:
Anesthesiologists work with your surgical team to evaluate, monitor, and supervise your care before, during, and after surgery—delivering anesthesia, leading the Anesthesia Care Team, and ensuring your optimal safety. What should you assess before surgery?At a minimum, a focused preanesthesia physical examination includes an assessment of the airway, lungs and heart, with documentation of vital signs6. Unexpected abnormal findings on the physical examination should be investigated before elective surgery.
What is pre operative assessment of a patient?The pre-operative assessment is an opportunity to identify co-morbidities that may lead to patient complications during the anaesthetic, surgical, or post-operative period. Patients scheduled for elective procedures will generally attend a pre-operative assessment 2-4 weeks before the date of their surgery.
Which of the following is the most important factor in the preoperative evaluation of a patient?The history and physical examination, rather than routine laboratory, cardiovascular, and pulmonary testing, are the most important components of the preoperative evaluation.
What are the data assessed in the preoperative phase?Preoperative assessment includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, risk assessment, and general and system-specific evaluations. The goal is to identify and address potential concerns prior to surgery and improve surgical outcomes.
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