Pre-operative evaluation

A history and physical examination, focusing on risk factors for cardiac, pulmonary and infectious complications, and a determination of a patient's functional capacity. In addition, the type of surgery influences the overall perioperative risk and the need for further cardiac evaluation. The purpose of a preoperative evaluation is to evaluate and, if necessary, implement measures to prepare higher risk patients for surgery. Pre-operative outpatient medical evaluation can decrease the length of hospital stay as well as minimize postponed or cancelled surgeries.