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Preoperative Medicine

We prefer to be over-prepared when your health is in our hands. So when you’re scheduled for an elective surgery, we’ll take you through a preoperative assessment.

Prepare for surgery with a preoperative assessment

Before surgery day, we’ll ask you to pencil in a little bit of time for the preoperative assessment. This time will be used to:

  • Identify and address any issues or risks that may affect your surgery or recovery
  • Provide a relaxed space that encourages you to ask questions or discuss concerns about your surgery
Cynthia McAndrew, RN is prepping cardiac cath lab patient before surgery with assistance from another nurse.
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Testing

Your preoperative assessment will be a combination of reviews, tests and recommendations focused on your success and well-being. Here’s what to expect in 4 simple steps.

Step 1: Review your detailed medical history

A care team member will review your medical, surgical and anesthesia history in fine detail with you and cover what to expect on the day of your surgery. This meeting is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about your treatment plan.  

Step 2: Perform a preoperative assessment

Your preoperative assessment will cover important details, such as:

  • Your primary language (and whether you’ll need an interpreter on the day of surgery)
  • Whether you have a healthcare proxy
  • What medications are safe to take before surgery

Step 3: Complete additional testing

Depending on your health, we may order additional tests, like:

These tests allow us to proactively detect and address issues that could delay or even cancel your surgery. If necessary, we’ll refer you to the right specialist for further evaluation before your surgery.

We’ll share all relevant information learned during your preoperative assessment with your anesthesiologists and surgeons so you can receive the best care possible before, during and after your surgery.  

Step 4: Surgery preparation instructions

Before you head home, we’ll provide detailed instructions on preparing for your surgery. You can even get a jump on completing pre-registration forms to have one less thing to worry about on the day of your surgery.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
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