What is the purpose of obtaining patient history and physical examination before surgery?

Obtaining patient history and physical examination before surgery serves a crucial purpose in identifying potential risks and contraindications that could affect the outcome of the procedure. This process allows healthcare providers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical background, including existing health conditions, medications, allergies, and prior surgical experiences. By evaluating this information, the surgical team can make informed decisions regarding the feasibility of the planned surgery, necessary adjustments to the surgical approach, and preoperative preparation that may be required to mitigate risks.

While determining surgical techniques, assessing recovery time, and confirming insurance coverage are important aspects of surgical planning, they do not directly address the immediate need to ensure patient safety and minimize complications during surgery. The primary focus of the preoperative assessment is to safeguard the patient’s well-being by recognizing any factors that may pose a threat, ultimately leading to better outcomes and enhanced patient care.