special subjects
Preoperative Evaluation
History
A relevant preoperative history includes information about all of the following: Current symptoms suggesting an active cardiopulmonary disorder (eg, cough, chest pain, dyspnea during exertion, ankle swelling) or infection (eg, fever, dysuria) Risk factors for Excessive Bleeding (eg, known bleeding disorder, history of bleeding excessively with dental procedures, elective surgeries, or childbirth) Risk factors for thromboembolism ( see Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) ) Risk factors for infection Cardiac risk factors None Known disorders that increase risk of complications, particularly hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, asthma, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Previous surgery, anesthesia, or both, particularly their complications Allergies Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use Current prescription and nonprescription drug and supplement use History of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or excessive snoring If an indwelling bladder catheter may be needed, patients should be asked about prior urinary retention and prostate surgery. 