what 6 things need to be addressed pre-op?
what is included in a pre-op assessment
a full hx of:
consider pregnancy in women of childbearing age
FH of sickle cell disease
general examination for CVS and resp disease
if malnourished (BMI<18.5), what may be required before surgery
- additional nutritional support before surgery + during admission
What is the ASA grade
The American Society of Anaesthesiologists grading system classifies the physical status of the pt for anaesthesia
patients given grade to describe their current fitness prior to undergoing anaesthesia/surgery
ASA I?
normal healthy patient
ASA II?
mild systemic disease
ASA III?
severe systemic disease
ASA IV
severe systemic disease that constantly threatens life
ASA V
‘moribund’ + expected to die without the operation
ASA VI
declared brain-dead and undergoing an organ donation operation
E?
this is used for emergency operations
why do pts fast before surgery?
ensures they have an empty stomach for the duration of their operation
aim: reduce the risk of reflux of food around the time of surgery (particularly during intubation + extubation)
which subsequently can result in the patient aspiration their stomach contents into their lungs
fasting for an operation typically involves?
- 2 hours no clear fluids (fully nil by mouth)
what medications need to be stopped before surgery
what can be used to bridge the gap between stopping warfarin and surgery in higher risk pts? e.g. mechanical heart valves or recent VTE
trx dose LMWH or an unfractionated heparin infusion
How long before surgery are DOACs stopped?
24-72 hours depending on half-life, procedure and kidney function
why are oestrogen containing contraception
and HRT stopped before surgery?
to reduce the risk of VTE
how long before surgery are oestrogen containing contraception
+ HRT stopped/
4 weeks
why do pts on long term steroids need more steroid before surgery?
surgery adds additional stress to body which normally increases steroid production
in pts on long term steroids, there is adrenal suppression that prevents them from creating extra steroids required to deal with this stress
what is the mnx for pts on long term steroids before surgery?
what do you do in pts on insulin going for surgery?
what PO anti-diabetic meds need to be adjusted or omitted around surgery and why?
VTE prophylaxis before surgery?
what is the 4 criteria that a patient needs to meet to demonstrate capacity to make a decision?