Preoperative Evaluation

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Preoperative Evaluation - Setting the Stage

  • Primary Goal: Enhance patient safety; ↓ perioperative morbidity & mortality.
  • Key Objectives:
    • Identify patient-specific & procedure-related risks.
    • Implement strategies for risk mitigation.
  • Core Components:
    • Detailed history (medical, surgical, medications, allergies, social).
    • Targeted physical examination.
    • Judicious investigations; avoid routine panels.
  • Modern Approach: Collaborative risk assessment & optimization, not just "clearing" for surgery.

⭐ Preoperative evaluation is a process of risk stratification and optimization, aiming to reduce complications, rather than a simple "clearance" for surgery.

Preoperative Evaluation - Heart Matters Most

Goal: Min. perioperative MACE.

  • Risk Stratification:
    • RCRI: 6 factors (1pt each)
      • High-risk surgery (vasc, intra-cavity)
      • Hx IHD
      • Hx CHF
      • Hx CVA/TIA
      • Insulin for DM
      • Creatinine >2 mg/dL
    • RCRI Score & MACE: 0 pts (0.4%), 1 pt (0.9%), 2 pts (6.6%), ≥3 pts (11%).
    • METs: <4 (poor, ↑ risk).
  • Algorithm Basics:
    • Emergency? → OR, peri-op optimization.
    • Active Cardiac (ACS, sev. valve dz)? → Postpone, treat first.

Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)

  • Perioperative Meds:
    • β-blockers: Cont. if on. Consider if ≥3 RCRI (HR 55-70).
    • Statins: Cont. Consider vascular surg.
    • Aspirin: Cont. if MACE risk > bleed.

⭐ <4 METs (poor capacity) sig. ↑ MACE risk, even w/ low RCRI.

Preoperative Evaluation - Beyond the Heart

  • Pulmonary:
    • Risks: Age >50, COPD, smoking, OSA, albumin <3.5. ARISCAT.
    • Mgmt: Quit smoking (4-8 wks), PFTs if dyspnea. Post-op: IS.
  • Renal:

    • Risks: CKD (eGFR <60), DM, HTN, nephrotoxins.
    • Mgmt: Hydration, avoid NSAIDs, adjust drug doses.
  • Hepatic:

    • Assess: Child-Pugh, MELD (>10-15 = high risk).
    • Mgmt: Correct coagulopathy, manage ascites.
  • Endocrine:

    • DM: Target glucose 140-180 mg/dL. Adjust meds (↓ basal insulin 20-50%).
    • Thyroid: Aim euthyroid. Postpone if severe dysfunction.
    • Adrenal Insufficiency: Stress dose steroids if chronic use (>5mg prednisone/day >3wks).
      • Mod. stress: Hydrocortisone 50-75mg IV.
      • Major stress: Hydrocortisone 100-150mg IV.

    ⭐ Chronic steroid users (prednisone ≥5mg/day for >3wks) need perioperative stress-dose steroids to prevent adrenal crisis.

Preoperative Evaluation - Pills & Plans

  • General: Continue most. Hold: anticoagulants, some antidiabetics.
  • Cardio:
    • BBs: Continue.
    • ACEi/ARBs, Diuretics: Hold AM of surgery.
    • Aspirin: Continue if high cardiac/low bleed risk; else stop 5-7d.
    • Clopidogrel: Stop 5-7d.
    • Warfarin: Stop 5d (INR < 1.5); bridge if high risk.
    • DOACs: Stop 24-72h (drug/renal).
  • Endo:
    • OHAs: Hold AM. Metformin hold 24-48h if contrast/renal.
    • Insulin: ↓ dose (1/2 long-acting); hold short/rapid.
    • Steroids: Stress dose if >5mg pred for >3wks/yr.
    • OCPs/HRT: Stop 4-6wks if high VTE risk.
  • Psych:
    • SSRIs/TCAs: Continue.
    • MAOIs: Stop 2wks (consult).
  • Herbal: Stop 1-2wks (Ginkgo, Ginseng, Garlic). 📌 "Stop Gs".

Perioperative Cardiovascular Medication Management

⭐ Continue beta-blockers in chronic users perioperatively to prevent cardiac events.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • ASA classification is fundamental for overall surgical risk.
  • RCRI identifies 6 predictors for Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE).
  • Functional capacity <4 METs signifies increased perioperative risk.
  • Continue chronic β-blockers; manage diabetes with insulin, hold most oral agents.
  • Stop aspirin 5-7 days pre-op (unless high cardiac risk); manage anticoagulants based on risk.
  • Advise smoking cessation >4 weeks preoperatively to reduce complications.
  • Avoid routine labs in asymptomatic, low-risk patients for minor surgery.

Practice Questions: Preoperative Evaluation

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following signs of congestive cardiac failure constitute a major risk to the surgical patient undergoing anaesthesia ?

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Flashcards: Preoperative Evaluation

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Which test provides the most accurate prognostic information with respect to predicting risks of perioperative cardiac complications?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which test provides the most accurate prognostic information with respect to predicting risks of perioperative cardiac complications?_____

Dobutamine stress echocardiography

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