Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation By Dr.Rashad Al-Kashgari Associate Professor of Surgery 2001

Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation Why ? How ? When ? What ?

Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation WHY ? Elective operation should be performed under optimal condition with full physical and psychological preparation of a fully informed patient. Emergency operation may have to be done in less than ideal circumstances.

Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation HOW ? History Physical exam Investigation

Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation WHEN ? Out patient visit Pre-operative ward round ER

Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation WHAT TO DO ? Six tasks To explain to the patient / relative the nature of the illness, implications of surgery and prognosis Identification of potential operative mortality and postoperative morbidity To assess the fitness for operation Identification of the risks of potential postoperative complications and prophylactic measures. Planning of operation and consent.

Task one Nature of surgery Implication of surgery Alleviate fear/anxiety of the patient Prognosis To explain to the patient / relative

Task two Look for the risk factors? Identification of potential operative mortality and morbidity

Risk factors of mortality and morbidity Myocardial infarction Pregnancy Thrombogenic drugs Smoking Previous anesthetics Allergies Avoid op.whenever possible for at least 6 months Elective op. is avoided.Risk of miscarriage & teratogenicity Steroids & pills Suxamthonium/halothane Penicillin/Iodine-containing drugs

Task three Assessment of general condition Assessment of metabolic state Assessment of cardiovascular system Assessment of respiratory system Assessment of renal system To assess the fitness for operation

Assessment of general condition Careful clinical exam. Pulse rate B.P. Full blood count Serum urea & electrolytes Blood group & save serum X-match blood if needed

Assessment of metabolic state Height Weight Problems associated with obesity : Venepuncture Anatomical landmarks Respiratory problems Thromboembolism Wound infection Wound dehiscence

Assessment of cardiovascular system Clinical exam of heart and vessels ECG Echocardiogram

Cardiovascular conditions Hypertension Myocardial ischaemia Cardiac arrhythmias Valve disease/septal defect Hypovolemia Increase risk of CVA/MI Avoid techniques /drugs which increase heart rate/diastolic B.P/perfusion gradient Discuss with cardiologist pre-op Cover with antibiotics Restore blood volume pre-op

Assessment of respiratory system Clinical exam of chest CXR Sputum for bacteriological exam Blood gases Pulmonary function tests: FEV1 FVC

Respiratory conditions Chronic bronchitis Asthma Brochiectasis Common cold Suffer HYPOXEMIA.DO blood gases High risk patients-consider only for urgent op. At risk of post-op respiratory failure.Give bronchodilator. Best index: FEV1/FVC X100 Physiotherapy + Antibiotics (use local blocks instead of general anaesthesia) Cancel op. in acute phase

Assessment of renal system Clinical examination Urinanalysis & microscopy Urine for microbiological examination Serum urea Serum creatinine

Renal disorders Chronic retention

Identification of risks of potential post operative complications and prophylaxis Pulmonary collapse and infection Cardiac complications Acute renal failure characterized by: (oliguria, dilute urine, & urea conc.<300 mmol/l) Pre-op breathing exercises Avoid excessive fluid post-op in all patients with cardiac ischemia or valvular disease Major causes are hypovolemia, sepsis, jaundice and mismatched blood Task four

Identification of risks of potential postoperative complications and prophylaxis (continue) Venous Thrombosis Wound infection Avoid compression of legs during and after op. If necessary,use graded compression stocking / low dose heparin 5000 I.u Q.12 hrs OR a single dose of LMW heparin Prophylactic antibiotics (Bactericidal best guess for offending organism,high doses,three doses..when? Task four (continue)

Planning of the operation The operation should be properly named after full explanation to the patient and the side of operation is marked in case of bilateral parts. He/she should consent for it. The duration of hospital stay,convalescense and time off work should be indicated. Task five

CONSENT Explain to the patient in simple non medical language what is going to be done. Alleviate his/her fears. Do not deceive the patient. Reassure the patient

Pre-operative orders Keep NPO (Nil per Oral) from ??:00 hrs Medications Essential Prophylaxis Prepare area for surgery Cleaning Shave Enema Etc Task six