Preoperative evaluations
Preoperative evaluations are crucial assessments conducted before surgery to ensure patient safety, optimize outcomes, and minimize risks associated with the procedure. These evaluations involve a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests.
Medical History: Gathering a detailed medical history is fundamental to understanding the patient’s overall health status. This includes information about past surgeries, chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), allergies, medications (including over-the-counter supplements), and any previous adverse reactions to anesthesia. Specific attention is given to conditions that could affect anesthesia or surgery outcomes, such as heart disease, lung disease, or bleeding disorders.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted to assess the patient’s current health status and to identify any potential concerns that could affect anesthesia or surgical outcomes. This examination typically includes vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate), examination of the heart and lungs, assessment of the abdomen, and a neurological examination. Special attention may be given to the airway, mouth, and teeth to ensure proper intubation and ventilation during anesthesia.