preanesthetic

Preanesthetic refers to the period and practices surrounding the administration of anesthesia before a surgical or diagnostic procedure. It encompasses the preanesthetic evaluation, patient optimization, and planning of anesthesia and analgesia to reduce perioperative risk and ensure patient safety.

The primary purpose of the preanesthetic process is to identify and manage factors that could complicate anesthesia or recovery. This includes reviewing medical history, current medications, allergies, prior reactions to anesthesia, and underlying conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or neurological disorders. A physical examination focuses on airway assessment, cardiopulmonary status, and functional capacity, often using risk classifications such as the ASA physical status. Relevant tests (eg, laboratory studies, ECG, imaging) are ordered based on age, comorbidities, and the planned procedure. Fasting status and perioperative instructions for medications are clarified to minimize aspiration risk and drug interactions.

Planning during the preanesthetic visit covers anesthesia type and delivery, airway management strategies, anticipated postoperative needs, and pain control. Medication management is an important component, including decisions about continuing or withholding anticoagulants, insulin or other chronic therapies, and the potential use of premedication to reduce anxiety or provide analgesia and antiemesis. The process also addresses patient education and informed consent.

Preanesthetic care is typically provided by an anesthesiologist or anesthesia team and aims to optimize conditions for safe induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia while reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality.