Patient’s own risk factors

Abstract

Successful robotic surgery requires preoperative medical optimization. Best practice addresses the spectrum of the patient’s own medical risk factors in an effort to identify patients with elevated risk and ascertain what is modifiable. This spectrum includes cardiac and pulmonary issues, as well as thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Because robotic surgery is often performed in older patients, we also discuss delirium and frailty. In this chapter we cover risk factors, risk assessment tools, and interventions that may improve outcomes, in addition to reviewing procedure-related medical complications. Our aim is to provide a solid medical approach to a smooth operation.