praoperatif

Praoperatif refers to the period, processes, and activities that occur before a surgical procedure. The term is used in various languages to describe preoperative preparation aimed at optimizing a patient’s condition to reduce perioperative risk and improve outcomes. In practice, praoperatif encompasses both evaluation and planning carried out before anesthesia and surgery.

Etymology and scope: The word combines elements meaning “before operation.” In many medical systems, the praoperatif phase begins after a decision to operate and ends when the patient enters the operating room. It includes medical assessment, diagnostic testing, optimization of health conditions, and logistics related to the upcoming procedure.

Core components:

- Medical history and physical examination to identify comorbidities, allergies, past anesthetic experiences, and functional status.

- Risk assessment, often using standardized scales such as the ASA physical status classification, which helps estimate perioperative risk.

- Preoperative investigations tailored to the procedure and patient, including laboratory tests, electrocardiography, imaging, or specialist consultations.

- Medication management, including decisions about continuing, adjusting, or stopping anticoagulants, antiplatelets, insulin, and other drugs.

- Optimization of health factors: control of diabetes and hypertension, smoking cessation, nutrition, and correction of anemia or electrolyte imbalances.

- Informed consent and patient education about the procedure, anesthesia, postoperative expectations, and potential risks.

- Perioperative planning, including fasting guidelines, antibiotic prophylaxis timing, venous thromboembolism prevention, and arrangements for postoperative care.

Special considerations may apply for pediatric, elderly, emergency, or high-risk patients. Praoperatif aims to ensure safety, efficiency, and clarity in the transition from planning to the operative event.