Preoperative Evaluation; Only For Risk Assessment?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of the patients who were diagnosed with another health problem preoperatively for the first time by anaesthesiologist. Material and methods: 5643 patients, who were admitted to anesthesiology clinic of xxx for preoperative examination and diagnosed with a new disease by anaesthesiologist as results of consultations from other departments and/or examinations were evaluated. Results: As a result of cardiology consultation, 18 patients were diagnosed with valvular heard disease due to the changes in the ECG and chest X-rays. One of these patients was diagnosed as severe AR+MR with pleural effusion. Six patients were diagnosed with prior MI and CAD, 4 of these patients were undergone to the CABG surgery in a state of emergency conditions. One patient was diagnosed with left bundle branch block because of being VES + in the ECG, 16 patients were diagnosed with COPD because of the changes in the PA chest x-ray, and 2 patients were diagnosed with hydatid cyst. One patient was diagnosed as lung cancer and taken to thoracotomy surgery primarily. In addition, 4 patients were diagnosed with scoliosis due to spine seen in chest x-ray. According to biochemistry tests, while 2patients were diagnosed with new DM, 3 patients had the diagnosis of steatosis due to higher AST/ALT values. It was found out with the ELISA tests that 15 patients were HBsAg + and 8 patients were HCV +. Conclusion: Preoperative visit can reveal other unknown health problems besides the patients’ risks for operations. These diagnoses are in favor for both the anesthesiologist's and surgeon not only medical but a legal aspects.