General Surgery Flashcards
(60 cards)
Why do we care about a patient’s EtOH/illicit drug use?
Possibility of withdrawal in OR or post op
Anesthesia interactions
When should tobacco ideally be discontinued prior to surgery?
8 weeks
Do CV medications need to be d/c before surgery?
In general, continue taking them
Hold ACE/ARBs 24 hours prior to NON-cardiac surgery
Should statins be held prior to surgery?
NO - reduced periop mortality so continue
Should Antiplatelet meds be d/c prior to surgery?
Increased risk of bleeding, so generally d/c 7-10 days prior
Why do we want to ensure tight glycemic control perioperatively?
Reduces mortality, infection, complications
When does a patient need to be NPO?
After midnight
Depends on the facility though - clear liquids up to 2 hr prior to procedure may be ok
How do we rate a procedural risk?
Mortality <1% = Low risk
Mortality ~1-5% = Intermediate risk
Mortality >5% = High risk
What are the different risk assessment tools we use in pre-op?
ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator
Revised Cardiac Risk Index for Pre-Op risk
MELD (patients with cirrhosis)
CAPRINI (risk for DVT)
Potential causes of increased risk of complications
Pre-existing medical conditions Allergies Surgical Hx and related complications Meds Tobacco EtOH Illicit drugs
What is the best scoring system for functional capacity and therefore overall risk?
MET scores - determine’s patient’s exercise capacity
Should be applied to all surgical patients
A patient with 1 MET…
Can they... Take care of themself Eat, dress, use toilet Walk indoors around the house Walk 1 or 2 blocks on level ground at 2-3 mph
A patient with <4 METs
Can they…
Do light work around the house, such as dusting or washing dishes
A patient with ≥4 METs
Can they... Climb a flight of stairs or walk up hill Walk on level ground at 4 mph Run a short distance Do heavy house work Participate in moderate rec activities (golf, bowling etc)
A patient with ≥10 METs
Can they…
Participate in strenuous sports, such as swimming, singles tennis, football, basketball, skiing
A patient is considered to have poor functional capacity if their MET score is…
<4
Why is age a big risk factor for surgery?
Mortality increases linearly (>80yo significantly higher)
Comorbidities generally linked
Biological capacity declines with age
Nutritional status —> limited reserves
What is the most frequent cause of non surgical perioperative morbidity and mortality?
Acute MI
1/3 to 1/2 of perioperative deaths are due to cardiac events
Hx is best method of risk assessment
COPD increases perioperative risk by…
6 fold
Smoking increases perioperative risk by…
2 fold
Most common source of morbidity and mortality
Pulmonary complications
3rd most common complication of surgery
PNA - give them an incentive spirometer
Why should be perform PFTs perioperatively
Asthma optimized
SOB with unknown etiology
Lung resection surgery
WHo should get a CXR perioperatively?
New respiratory Sx
CHF
Valvular heart disease