Preoperative Medical Consultations
The Importance of Preoperative Medical Consultations and the Role of Geriatricians
Preparing for surgery can be a significant event, especially for older adults. At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we understand the importance of preoperative medical consultations, particularly for our elderly patients. In this article, we explore the significance of preoperative medical consultations and highlight the valuable role of geriatricians in ensuring optimal surgical outcomes for older adults.
Understanding Preoperative Medical Consultation
Preoperative medical consultation involves a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s health status and medical history before undergoing surgery. This consultation is essential for assessing the patient’s overall health, identifying any underlying medical conditions or risk factors that may impact the surgical outcome, and optimising the patient’s health to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.
The Importance of Preoperative Medical Consultation
- Risk Assessment: Preoperative medical consultations allow healthcare providers to assess the patient’s risk factors for surgical complications, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions. By identifying these risk factors early, appropriate measures can be taken to manage or stabilise the patient’s health before surgery, minimising the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
- Medication Management: Many older adults take multiple medications to manage chronic health conditions. Preoperative medical consultations provide an opportunity to review the patient’s medication regimen and make adjustments as needed to minimise the risk of drug interactions, adverse reactions, and post-operative complications.
- Optimisation of Health: For older adults, especially those with underlying health issues, optimising health before surgery is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and reducing the risk of complications. Preoperative medical consultations may include recommendations for lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, dietary changes, and physical therapy to improve overall health and enhance surgical outcomes.
The Role of Geriatricians in Preoperative Medical Consultation
Geriatricians play a vital role in preoperative medical consultation for older adults. As specialists in the care of older adults, geriatricians are uniquely positioned to assess the complex health needs of elderly patients and provide tailored recommendations to optimise their health before surgery. The role of geriatricians in preoperative medical consultation includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Geriatricians conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, functional status, cognitive function, and social support system to identify potential risk factors and develop personalised care plans.
- Medication Review: Geriatricians review the patient’s medication regimen to identify medications that may need to be adjusted or discontinued before surgery. They also provide guidance on medication management during the perioperative period to minimise the risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Geriatricians collaborate closely with surgeons, anaesthesiologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care to ensure coordinated and comprehensive preoperative evaluation and management.
- Patient Education and Support: Geriatricians provide education and support to older adults and their families, addressing any concerns or questions they may have about the surgical process, potential risks, and post-operative care. They also offer guidance on preparing for surgery, including preoperative instructions and self-care strategies
Comprehensive Care for Older Adults
At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we recognise the importance of preoperative medical consultation in optimising surgical outcomes for our elderly patients. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including our specialist geriatrician, is committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and successful recovery of older adults undergoing surgery. If you or a loved one is scheduled for surgery, we encourage you to schedule a preoperative medical consultation with our experienced geriatrician to discuss your unique health needs and concerns. Together, we can work towards achieving the best possible surgical outcome and maintaining your quality of life.

Looking for a local Geriatrician in Caringbah to discuss your concerns?
Our experienced Geriatrician at Shire Doctors and Dentists takes the time to assess your symptoms and uses her experience and knowledge to assist you in feeling good again.
Call 02 9063 8650 to book your GP consultation.