Präoperative

Präoperative is the term used in German medical language to denote the period, assessments, and actions conducted before a surgical procedure. It encompasses the preoperative evaluation, optimization of medical conditions, planning, and patient preparation aimed at reducing perioperative risk and ensuring informed consent.

The Präoperative process typically begins with a focused medical history and physical examination, a review of current medications and allergies, and targeted preoperative testing such as blood work, coagulation studies, ECG, or imaging, depending on age, comorbidity, and the planned operation. Risk assessment often employs a framework such as the ASA Physical Status classification to quantify baseline risk and tailor perioperative management.

Preoperative optimization seeks to address modifiable factors that could influence outcomes. This may include treatment of anemia, tighter control of diabetes or hypertension, management of infections, counseling on smoking cessation, and appropriate adjustment of medications (for example, anticoagulants or insulin) according to established guidelines. Patient education covers the procedure, anesthesia plan, potential risks, and postoperative expectations, with informed consent documented.

On the day of surgery, patients typically receive instructions regarding fasting (NPO status), which medications to take or hold, and arrival timing. A preoperative checklist is used to verify consent, allergies, the latest test results, and overall readiness for anesthesia and the procedure, helping to minimize delays and cancellations and to enhance safety.

See also: preoperative assessment, anesthesia, surgical safety checklist.