Pre-operative Examination

Abstract

The possibility of performing adequate anaesthesia largely depends upon pre-operative examination and evaluation of the patient. The anaesthetist must know his patient and co-ordinate this knowledge with his strategy in using drugs and methods for performing anaesthesia. It is equally important that the patient knows his anaesthetist and has confidence in him. Pre-anaesthetic visits and examinations are therefore essential for routine work. Use of a fixed schedule as follows or an anaesthetic protocol helps to achieve a systematic pre-operative examination. Make sure it is the right patient and know the weight, length and age. A picture of the patient’s condition can be evaluated through:

• 1) Patient’s history

• 2) Clinical examination

• 3) Laboratory investigations