Preoperative medical consultation: Maximizing its benefits

Background: The increasing complexity of medical and surgical care often demands comprehensive preoperative work-ups by medical consultants and detailed management recommendations to optimize the patient's medical ailments before surgery. This article aims to review the available evidence and discuss elements of the preoperative medical consultation that are of particular relevance to surgeons. Methods: The authors performed a comprehensive review of the available medical literature and guidelines pertaining to preoperative medical management and present a narrative summary of their findings. Results: Although many preoperative recommendations are based on expert opinion and consensus, a growing number of studies and clinical practice guidelines provides direction as to what is the best management of patients with medical problems before surgery. Conclusions: Collaborative efforts and adequate communication between the medical and surgical teams are necessary to ensure appropriate patient management before surgery. Although higher-risk patients may require thorough preoperative evaluations, extensive routine investigations may not always be necessary.