WHAT IS A PRE-OP PHYSICAL EXAM?

If you are scheduled for a procedure or surgery requiring some type of anesthesia, lot of thoughts are likely running through your head. You may be feeling anxious, confused or scared. While these emotions are normal, there are ways to feel more comfortable with your upcoming procedure or surgery. But it’s more than calming your nerves — there are things you can do to prepare yourself for surgery. A Pre-op physical exam will help you get prepared and make sure your body is in optimal condition for your procedure.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PRE-OP PHYSICAL EXAM?

A pre-op physical will include:

• Measuring your height, weight and vital signs

• Reviewing your medication list with recommendations for how to take your medications prior to surgery

• Reviewing your medical, surgical and family history

• Physical exam

• Completing additional preoperative testing following your exam if deemed necessary. This may include, blood or urine tests, X-rays or an EKG. An EKG is a test of heart function with an instrument that prints out the results as a graph.

All of these pre-operative exam components help make sure you are optimized for surgery.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OPTIMIZED FOR SURGERY?

First of all, being “optimized” for surgery means you are in proper physical shape before your operation and you are receiving the right care. Your pre-operative evaluation will allow your surgeon and anesthesiologist to be prepared and individualize your surgical care to your specific medical needs. Preoperative optimization has the potential to identify problems or conditions for which we can provide treatment or management strategies throughout your surgery and recovery time. Occasionally a problem is identified at this time that takes precedence over an elective surgery. The problem can be addressed before proceeding with surgery in order to ensure you have the safest possible operation.