Pre-Operative assessment is required prior to elective surgical procedures in order to ensure the patient is fit to undergo surgery. Surgical procedures and administration of anesthesia are associated with possible complications. The primary goal of preoperative evaluation is to educate the patient of any known or hidden conditions that could potentially cause problems both perioperative and postoperatively.
Medical specialists, surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists work as a team to ensure a perfect outcome. A preoperative medical clearance includes an assessment of the patients overall health and hidden conditions. A detailed review of medications, including over the counter and herbal remedies, social habits such as alcohol and recreational drug use that could possibly prevent proper recovery are all aspects that are analyzed to ensure a safe outcome. In order to optimize proper recovery, details are discussed to the patient about surgery, anesthesia, postoperative care (including pain management, proper healing protocol and nutritional optimization) in order to reduce anxiety and enhance recovery.
A majority of elective surgical procedures are done as outpatient. This means the patient reports to the surgical center the morning of surgery and is expected to be discharged the same day. The instructions that the medical doctor as well as the anesthesiologist recommend to the patient will help the surgeon have no surprises during the procedure. We as medical doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologist and nurses have a goal to have a patient feel comfortable and put their trust in us to undergo elective surgery.
Postoperative care is just as important. The nursing team is responsible for organizing and coordinating a plan tailored to aid in the patients healing process. This not only includes dressing changes and application of proper medications, but also to directly report to the medical doctor/surgeon in regards to the patients questions, concerns and well-being.
Primary goals of preoperative evaluation include:
- Assessment of the patients overall health.
- Uncover hidden conditions that could cause problems both during and after surgery.
- Overall risk determination.
- Optimization of the patient’s medical condition.
- Development of pre and postoperative care plan.
- Detailed explanation to the patient about surgery, anesthesia, postoperative care (including pain management, proper healing protocol and nutritional optimization) to reduce anxiety and enhance recovery.