Pre-op Evaluation
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Richard R. Bobé, MD, FACP
Internist & Concierge Doctor located in Delray Beach, FL
If you need nonemergency surgery, it's vital to undergo a pre-op evaluation well in advance to ensure you're fit for the procedure. Experienced internist Richard R. Bobé, MD, offers comprehensive pre-op evaluation services at his practice in Delray Beach, Florida. After seeing Dr. Bobé, you can have peace of mind knowing you're ready for your operation or have a plan for improving your health to make sure you're fit on the day. Call Dr. Bobé's office to arrange your pre-op evaluation or book online today.
Pre-op Evaluation Q & A
What is a pre-op evaluation?
A pre-op evaluation is a checkup you have before undergoing surgery. Dr. Bobé doesn't perform the surgery himself, but he can evaluate you to make sure you're ready for your operation.
He identifies whether you have any risk factors for surgery and can advise you on making changes or undergoing treatment if you're not fit enough for your procedure.
You need to see Dr. Bobé within one month of your scheduled surgery to allow time for any treatment you need.
What happens at a pre-op evaluation?
In many respects, a pre-op evaluation is similar to the physical exam that you might have every year to check your general health.
Dr. Bobé reviews your medical history and asks about any current health problems or symptoms. He then performs a thorough physical exam. After your exam, you might need to have additional tests, such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Blood sugar
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Depending on your age, any underlying health problems, the surgery you're preparing for, and any signs of disease Dr. Bobé picks up during the physical exam, you might also need additional tests.
What other tests might I need?
Other tests you might need include:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Heart stress test
- Lung function tests
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Ultrasound scan
These tests ensure that your vital organs, including your heart and lungs, are healthy — or at least healthy enough for you to undergo surgery.
What happens after my pre-op evaluation?
Once your pre-op evaluation is complete, and the results of your tests are back, Dr. Bobé sends a report to your surgeon with the findings. If there's any question about your fitness for surgery, you might need to visit a specialist. The specialists you're most likely to see are:
A cardiologist
Your risk of heart problems increases if you smoke heavily, have diabetes or high blood pressure, have a history of heart problems, or if you're so unfit that you can't walk up a flight of stairs. A cardiologist can identify and potentially treat underlying heart problems to ensure your heart is strong enough for surgery.
An endocrinologist
If you have diabetes or your pre-op evaluation tests show high blood sugar levels, you might need to see an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is someone who specializes in diseases like diabetes that are related to your hormones. They can help you achieve optimal blood glucose regulation.
A sleep doctor
Obstructive sleep apnea makes you choke or stop breathing while you're asleep, which could be a problem during surgery. A sleep doctor can assess the severity of your condition and recommend ways of tackling the problem.
A hematologist
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious condition that's one of the more common complications of surgery. You might need to see a hematologist who specializes in blood disorders if you've had DVT or have a history of blood clots, DVT, or pulmonary embolism in your family. They can advise on the best way to prevent DVT from developing during surgery.
To arrange your pre-op evaluation, call Richard R. Bobé, MD, or book online today.