Peri-operative assessment

Important points to cover

Are they fit for an anaesthetic?

• Cardio-respiratory co-morbidities - e.g. MI, LVF, COAD
• Cerebrovascular disease e.g TIA, CVA
• Cardio-respiratory fitness e.g. exercise tolerance (very important), baseline oxygen saturation, ejection fraction, pulmonary function tests
• Aspiration risk e.g. fasting status, obesity, frequency of reflux symptoms, loose teeth
• Difficult intubation e.g. small mouth, short/stiff neck, ENT problems, previous anaesthetic problems

Will they likely have post-operative complications or need ICU/HDU?

• Ventilatory or Intropic support - cardiorespiratory illness (again), cardiothoracic surgery
• DVT/PE risk e.g. prolonged bed rest, obese
• Airway risk e.g. airway/ENT procedure
• Neurological deterioration e.g. neurosurgical or cerebrovascular surgery,

Will they heal well from their wounds?

• Local factors .e.g vascular disease, skin infection, obesity, poor nutrition
• Systemic factor e.g. diabetic, chronic steroids

Will they recover from the operation and rehabilitate

• Functional assessment / ADLS
• Social supports and assistance
• Alternative places for convalescence and recovery