What Is Pre-Operative Optimisation and Why Does It Matter?
The better your health going into surgery, the better your outcomes coming out. Here's what pre-op optimisation actually involves.
What Is Pre-Operative Optimisation?
If you are due to have surgery, whether NHS or private, the weeks and months beforehand are some of the most important when it comes to your outcome. Pre operative optimisation is the process of identifying and improving any health factors that could complicate surgery or slow recovery.
Why Does It Matter?
The evidence is clear: patients who are better optimised before surgery have:
- Lower rates of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
- Better long-term outcomes
This is an area Dr Chris is particularly passionate about, drawing on his background in anaesthetics and pre hospital emergency medicine.
What Does It Involve?
Pre-operative optimisation is tailored to you and your specific surgery, but commonly includes:
- Cardiovascular health: ensuring blood pressure, heart rhythm, and fitness are assessed
- Nutrition and weight: even modest improvements in nutritional status can significantly affect healing
- Medications review: some medications need to be paused before surgery; others may need to be started
- Blood tests: checking for anaemia, clotting issues, vitamin deficiencies
- Smoking and alcohol: both significantly increase surgical risk; we offer support to reduce or stop
- Diabetes management: blood sugar control is critical for wound healing and infection risk
How Can BGM Medical Help?
We offer pre-operative optimisation appointments that work alongside your surgical team. Whether you're going in for a hip replacement or a more complex procedure, we can help ensure you're in the best possible shape beforehand.