Preoperative assessment

Abstract

The preanes thetic evaluation of the patient for spinal surgery is not unique; it follows the general approach used before any patient is given anesthesia. Both adult and pediatric patients present for spinal surgery, which may be elective or urgent. Procedures range from minimally invasive microdiscectomy to prolonged operations involving multiple spinal levels and anterior/posterior surgery. When assessing patients before spinal surgery, particular attention should be given to: respiratory function cardiovascular system metabolic conditions neurological function © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.