The value of joint anaesthetic and surgical preoperative assessment
Summary: A combined preoperative ward round where anaesthetist, radiologist and surgeon take part has been described in detail. The preoperative state of health of 208 patients seen and assessed in this way has been analyzed. This has shown that only 50 per cent of the elective surgery waiting-list patients had a straightforward surgical problem and were otherwise healthy. The remaining 50 per cent needed either further surgical investigations or assessment of a medical complication. Thirty-five per cent of the total elective cases had a significant medical illness as well as their surgical lesion. A second consultant opinion other than that of their anaesthetist or surgeon was sought in 12.5 per cent of cases and 7 per cent needed a special period of inpatient treatment prior to surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 24 per cent of the total. Some illustrative case histories are presented. © 1972 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.