Pre-op visit

Question 1

What needs to be checked during pre-op visit?

Answer 1

• That preadmission assessment has occurred
• That identified problems have been planned for and managed
• Whether the patient’s condition has changed

Question 2

What checks must be done before surgery can proceed?

Answer 2

• On which side of their body is the patient having what operation?
• Has the patient signed the surgical consent form?
• What are the regurgitation, aspiration and pneumonitis risks?
• Do you anticipate difficulty ventilating or intubating?
• Has prophylaxis against venothromboembolism been planned and executed?
• Have risk-reducing medications been continued, e.g. statins, beta-blockers?
• Is the patient warm?
• Do they need antibiotic prophylaxis against surgical-site infection?
• Is the patient happy to proceed with surgery and the anaesthetic you have detailed?