Preoperative diagnosis is a crucial step in medical care before a planned operation. Your goal is to comprehensively assess the patient’s health and identify possible risks for the operation. Targeted examinations can ensure that the procedure can be carried out safely and that the patient is best prepared for the operation.

Aims of preoperative diagnostics

1. Determination of the general health situation:
   A thorough examination will help determine the patient’s general health status to determine whether he or she is suitable for the planned surgery.
2. Identification of risk factors:
   Existing medical conditions or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or allergies can make it difficult to perform surgery. Preoperative diagnostics serve to identify these factors and, if necessary, to stabilize them before the operation.
3. Choosing the right anesthesia:
   Based on the results of the examination, a decision is made as to which type of anesthesia is most suitable for the patient in order to avoid possible complications.
4. Optimization of operating conditions:
   Through targeted diagnostics, the surgeon and the surgical team can better address the patient’s specific needs, which leads to a better and safer surgical result.

Components of preoperative diagnostics

Preoperative diagnostics includes a variety of examinations and tests that can vary depending on the type of operation planned, the patient’s age and existing medical conditions:

1. Anamnesis:
   At the beginning, a detailed anamnesis is carried out in which the patient provides information about their medical history, existing illnesses, current complaints and medication intake. This is crucial to identify individual risks.
2. Physical Examination:
   The doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination to check general health and ensure that there are no acute or unrecognized medical conditions that could affect the operation.
3. Laboratory tests:
   Blood tests are among the most common diagnostic procedures. Blood values ​​such as hemoglobin, blood sugar, kidney and liver values, blood coagulation and electrolytes are checked here. These tests provide information about the patient’s internal health and possible risk factors.
4. Cardiovascular examinations:
   Especially in older patients or patients at risk, an ECG examination or a stress test is necessary to detect heart problems such as arrhythmias or inadequate cardiac output. If necessary, further tests such as a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) or a long-term ECG can also be carried out.
5. Pulmonary function tests:
   Patients with lung disease or difficulty breathing may need to complete a pulmonary function test (spirometry) to ensure that the lungs are functioning adequately during surgery.
6. Imaging procedures:
   Depending on the type of surgery, imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans may be necessary to closely examine the affected organ or area and allow for precise planning before surgery.
7. Anesthesia advice:
   A consultation with the anesthesiologist is also an essential part of preoperative diagnostics. The patient’s suitability for the planned form of anesthesia is checked and the best options for the procedure are discussed.
8. Special tests:
   Depending on the type of procedure and individual risk factors, other specific tests may be performed such as a urine test, a pregnancy test for women of childbearing age, or special tests for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease.

Advantages of preoperative diagnostics

• Increased security:
  The early detection of risks and health problems significantly increases the safety of the operation, as the surgeon can optimally respond to the patient’s individual needs.
• Optimization of the healing process:
  A well-prepared patient has a better chance of a quick recovery and fewer complications after surgery.
• Individual adjustment:
  Preoperative diagnostics make it possible to adapt treatment and anesthesia to the patient’s specific needs, resulting in a better course of the operation.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnostics are an indispensable part of modern surgery and make a decisive contribution to the safety and success of operations. Through targeted examinations and tests, the patient’s state of health is accurately recorded, risks are minimized and the best conditions are created for a successful operation. If surgery is imminent, it is important not to neglect this step and to rely on a comprehensive diagnostic examination.