What is a pre-operative (pre-op) assessment?
The main purpose of a pre-operative assessment (or ‘pre-op’) is to identify diseases other than the disease about to treated (with an operation) that may lead to complications during the:
- Snaesthetic (before op),
- Surgical (the op), or
- Post-operative (after the op) period.
It is usually an appointment with a nurse, either in person or virtual (video or telephone call). If complications are predicted, you may have to see an anaesthetist as well. There may also be appointments with other specialists, eg a heart one if you have heart problems.
Th nurse will ask questions about your health, medical history, medicines (please bring that information) and home circumstances.
If the assessment involves a visit to the hospital, some tests may be carried out. These may include a COVID-19 test, blood tests, urine tests and pregnancy test for women.
When all of this is done, we can decide whether you are fit for the proposed operation or procedure.
How long after pre-op is surgery?
The assessment is usually 2-4 weeks after setting the date for surgery. But, as so many operations get delayed, it may have to repeated when the final date of surgery is decided upon.
