Pre-Op

Question 1

What are the aims of a pre-operative physio review?

Answer 1

• Understand the patient’s pre-operative mobility, functional level and social circumstances.
• ‘Make Every Contact Count’: Lifestyle advice​
  Education/mental preparation for what to expect post-op​.
• Giving him ownership/control of his own recovery: Psychological benefit.
• Empower the patients to be an active part in their post-op recovery.

Question 2

What are some pre-op tests that must be done on patients?

Answer 2

• Anaemia.
• Age.
• Allergies.
• Anaesthetic tests (By anaesthetist).
• Bladder screening
• BMI/Lipid profile.
• Clotting disorders.
• Complex needs.
• Diabetes.
• ECG and/or echocardiogram.
• Exercise tolerance test/CPET.
• HIN.
• Kidney function test (BUN, Creatine, GFR/eGFR).
• Liver function test.
• Neuromuscular disease/problems.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Pulmonary function test/spirometry/full pulmonary assessment.
• Review of cardiopulmonary symptoms (If any).
• Review of lifestyle risk factors and advice around this: smoking, alcohol etc.
• Thyroid disease.
• Others.

Question 3

What should physios do pre-op?

Answer 3

• Teach ACBT.
• Teach bed exercises.
• Discuss expected mobility progress.
• Discuss participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
• If CABG: Teach sternal precautions
  (If ortho teach any related joint precautions, practice with walking aids e.g NWB, ?equipment for discharge).
• Pre-op exercise programmes.