A pre-OP exam otherwise referred to as a pre-operative physical examination, is a physical assessment required before undergoing surgery. This comprehensive evaluation will assess your cardiovascular health, lung function, and overall health. Pre-operative assessments can prevent major complications during the processes of anesthesia, surgery, and post-surgery. These tests are often requested about two weeks before your surgery.

Your physician will likely run blood tests to check both your white and red blood cells. If you have a blood clotting condition or anemia, this will show on your bloodwork. These types of conditions can make surgery more difficult. Your surgeon will need to have this information beforehand to assess your risk and plan for possible complications. This blood test will also tell your physician what your blood type is if you are unsure. In the case you need a blood transfusion, this is incredibly important.

Standard pre-operative tests may include the following:
 
– Chest X-ray
– Lab testing
– Lung function
– Testicular and prostate
– EKG/Cardiovascular
– Extremities
– Vital signs
– Abdomen
– Head and neck
– Neurological
– General appearance
– Vision
– Hearing
– Pelvic, pap smear, and breast exam
 
In addition to these tests, you may need specialized pre-operative tests depending on your surgery and current medical state. If you have conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, or blood clots, additional testing may be necessary. This gives your medical team the life-saving tools they need to ensure your surgery is as safe as possible.
 
Specific types of surgeries may also need their own types of specific exams and tests. Someone undergoing neuro surgery will require a CT scan whereas someone undergoing stomach surgery will require a colonoscopy. Talk to your physician about the tests you’ll need to go through in order to get surgery and how to effectively prepare for them.

At your pre-operative physical examination, you can expect your physician to first ask you a series of important questions regarding your medical history. You’ll need to fill out a questionnaire that covers topics such as any current health conditions, symptoms, or prescribed medications. They will then conduct a physical examination that takes into account your general appearance, vital signs, and body assessment. Once you’ve completed a comprehensive physical exam, your physician will then run a series of screening tests.
 
For further information about pre-OP testing services in New York City, NY, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Avant Medical Group. The professional medical staff at our clinic would love to walk you through your pre-OP exam and answer any additional questions you may have. Having all the information you may need or want to know can ease pre-OP exam anxiety and help you feel fully prepared. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call anytime during our business hours to schedule a pre-OP exam with one of our specialists, or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 233 Broadway Suite 2750 New York, NY 10279. We serve patients from New York NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Harlem NY, and Greenwich Village NY. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online. The team at Avant Medical Group looks forward to seeing you soon!