What examinations are required before surgery?
I'm about to have surgery and feeling a bit nervous. I'd like to ask, what examinations are required before the surgery? I want to know in advance so I can prepare accordingly.
A series of examinations are required before surgery, mainly including assessment of basic physical condition, evaluation of major organ function, coagulation function testing, and infection-related screening. In the assessment of basic physical condition, a complete blood count (CBC) is a mandatory test that helps identify conditions such as anemia or infection. For example, if hemoglobin levels are too low, it may affect postoperative recovery and requires early intervention.
Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature is also crucial, as these indicators reflect the current physical status and help determine whether the patient is suitable for surgery. Regarding major organ function tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) can detect heart diseases and assess whether the heart can tolerate the surgical procedure.
Liver and kidney function tests provide information about the metabolic and detoxification capacities of the liver and kidneys, ensuring that medications and surgical trauma will not impose a severe burden on these organs. Coagulation function testing is also important, as coagulation profiles (such as the standard coagulation panel) help determine whether the patient's clotting mechanisms are normal, preventing excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
In addition, infection-related screening will be performed, including testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. This not only relates to postoperative care for the patient but also ensures the safety of healthcare personnel and prevents cross-infection.