Preoperative assessment is an essential process in planning any surgical procedure, as its main objective is to ensure patient safety and minimize risks related to surgery and anesthesia.

At this point, the doctor performs a detailed analysis of the patient's medical history, examines their current health conditions, and orders additional tests when necessary.

This is crucial for identifying underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart or respiratory problems, which can directly influence the surgery or the recovery period.

Furthermore, the pre-operative assessment helps determine if the patient is in ideal condition for the procedure. In some cases, it may be necessary to postpone surgery so that corrective measures can be taken, such as strict control of chronic diseases or the adoption of healthier habits.

This step also contributes to the prevention of complications, because by identifying risk factors in advance, the medical team can plan specific strategies to minimize problems such as infections, adverse drug reactions, or anesthetic complications.

Another crucial aspect of the preoperative assessment is anesthetic planning. Based on the information gathered, the anesthesiologist can choose the safest and most appropriate type of anesthesia for the patient, taking into account conditions such as allergies, general physical condition, and even emotional factors. Furthermore, this assessment offers the patient the opportunity to receive detailed guidance on pre- and postoperative care, such as the need for fasting, the interruption or adjustment of medications, and expectations regarding recovery.

The importance of this step is not limited to reducing immediate risks during surgery, but also extends to lower postoperative complication rates and improved long-term outcomes. A well-conducted preoperative assessment not only increases the safety of the procedure, but also reinforces the patient's confidence in the medical team, promoting a more tranquil and successful experience.