Perioperative

Perioperative refers to the period surrounding a surgical procedure, including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. It encompasses planning, anesthesia, the operation itself, and recovery, with a focus on optimizing patient outcomes and safety through coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team.

Preoperative: This phase involves assessing a patient’s fitness for surgery, identifying and optimizing medical conditions, and planning anesthesia and analgesia. Risk stratification models (such as ASA physical status) guide decisions. Preoperative testing is performed as indicated, and medications may be adjusted. Patients receive education about the procedure, expected recovery, and potential risks, and consent is obtained. Nutritional status, smoking cessation, and physical conditioning may be optimized, and fasting guidelines (NPO) are followed to reduce aspiration risk. Prophylactic measures, such as antibiotic timing and thromboembolism prevention planning, are prepared.

Intraoperative: Anesthesia care (general, regional, or local with sedation) is delivered with airway management and continuous monitoring. The surgical field is prepared under sterile technique, with careful fluid management, blood loss control, and temperature maintenance. Pain control and prevention of postoperative nausea are addressed, along with measures to reduce infection and other complications. Documentation of vital signs, medications, and events is maintained, and the procedure’s duration and complexity are noted for planning postoperative care.

Postoperative: Recovery occurs in the post-anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting as needed. Focus areas include pain management, nausea prevention, respiratory exercises, mobilization, wound care, and early nutrition. Discharge criteria are assessed, and discharge planning and follow-up arrangements are made. Perioperative care aims to minimize complications, shorten recovery time, and reduce hospital length of stay through standardized protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration.