Cost-effectiveness of routine blood type and screen testing before elective laparoscopy

Pre-Operative Group and Save in Elective and Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Necessity, Cost-Effectiveness, and Own Experience

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a high safety profile. This study seeks to quantify the incidence of blood transfusion in both the elective and emergency settings, examine related patient outcomes, and investigate selection criteria for pre-operative Group and Save (G&S) sampling. Methods: A prospective multi-centre observational study was conducted to investigate patients undergoing either elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the UK between January 2020 and May 2021. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to identify patient factors associated with the risk of transfusion and explore outcomes linked to pre-operative G&S sampling. Results: This study comprised 959 patients, with 631 (65.8%) undergoing elective cholecystectomy and 328 (34.2%) undergoing emergency surgery. The median age was 48 years (range: 35-59), with 724 (75.5%) of the patients being female. Only five patients (0.5%) required blood transfusions, receiving an average of three units, with the first unit administered approximately six hours post-operatively. Among these cases, three patients (60%) had underlying haematological conditions. In adjusted models, male gender was significantly associated with the need for a blood transfusion (OR 11.31, p = 0.013), while the presence of a pre-operative Group and Save sample did not demonstrate any positive impact on patient outcomes. Conclusions: The incidence of blood transfusion following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is very low. Male gender and haematological conditions may present as independent risk factors. Pre-operative G&S sampling did not yield any positive impact on patient outcomes and could be safely excluded in both elective and emergency cases, although certain population subsets will warrant further consideration.

Is Preoperative Type and Screen High-value Care? A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Performing Preoperative Type and Screen Prior to Urogynecological Surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective.

METHODS

A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery.

Routine pretransfusion testing before primary total hip or knee arthroplasty are an expensive and wasteful routine. Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The excessive routine ordering of pretransfusion tests (blood typing, screening, and cross-matching) for surgical cases incurs significant unnecessary costs and places an undue burden on transfusion services. This study aims to systematically review the literature regarding the necessity of routine pretransfusion tests before total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and summarize their outcomes.

STUDY METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. The study's characteristics, the prevalence of over-ordering pretransfusion tests, transfusion rates, and potential cost savings to the healthcare system were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 17,667 patients. Pooled results revealed a 96.3% over-ordering pretransfusion test rate (95% CI: 0.92-1.00; p < 0.001) among patients undergoing primary THA or TKA. The pooled prevalence of hospital transfusion rate was 3.6%. Notably, there were statistically significant differences in preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels between patients not requiring transfusion (Hb = 13.9 g/dl; 95% CI 12.59-15.20; p < 0.001) and those needing transfusion (Hb = 11.9 g/dl; 95% CI 10.69-13.01; p < 0.001) (p = 0.03). The per-patient total cost savings ranged from 28.63 to 191.27 dollars.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that routine pre-transfusion testing for all patients undergoing primary THA or TKA may be unnecessary. We propose limiting pretransfusion test orders to patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels below 12 g/dl in unilateral primary TKA or THA. This targeted approach can result in significant cost savings for healthcare systems and transfusion services by reducing the over-ordering of pretransfusion tests in these surgical procedures.

Perioperative group and save testing are not routinely indicated for emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy and laparoscopic hernia repairs: A North West London retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Two valid group and saves are commonly required for patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy and laparoscopic hernia repairs preoperatively; however, perioperative blood transfusions are seldom required. This is financially burdensome and frequently leads to delays in theatre lists. We performed a retrospective analysis to investigate blood transfusions performed perioperatively and within 28 days of these procedures.

METHOD

We used our electronic records to collect data of all laparoscopic appendectomies and laparoscopic hernia repairs between March 2017 and March 2021. Patients of any age undergoing these operations were included. Patients requiring concomitant intra-abdominal surgery or who had incomplete medical records were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 1891 patients were included, of which 1462 (77.3%) had a laparoscopic appendicectomy versus 429 (22.7%) who had a laparoscopic hernia repair. In all, 3507 group and saves were taken costing £47,398.50. One patient (0.068%) required emergency blood transfusion (4 units of red cells) secondary to major haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that the incidence of perioperative blood transfusions for laparoscopic appendicectomy and laparoscopic hernia repairs is low, challenging the indication for routine preoperative group and saves.

Is routine blood typing and screening necessary for degenerative cervical spine surgery patients in specialty surgical hospitals?

BACKGROUND

Blood loss warranting transfusion is a relatively rare requirement for degenerative cervical spine surgery. Despite this rarity, pretransfusion testing (blood typing, screening, and cross-matching) has become routine in most parts of the world. We sought to determine if such routine testing is necessary for patients who undergo degenerative cervical spine surgery patients in specialty surgical hospitals by (1) measuring the current rate of intraoperative transfusions in degenerative cervical spine surgery and (2) identifying risk factors for transfusions.

STUDY METHODS

Retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent degenerative cervical spine surgery in two institutions. Demographic and baseline clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed to identify predictors of transfusion. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify perioperative transfusion risk factors.

RESULTS

Overall transfusion rate was 1.9% (7/372), with no emergent transfusions. Decreases between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit were 1.4 (SD 1.1) g/dL and 7.2 (SD 4.1) %, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative Hgb lower than 12 gr/dl (OR 27.62; 95% CI 4.31-176.96; p < 0.001) as significant independent transfusion risk factor. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the model showed a very good discriminatory power with an area under the curve of 0.91.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that pretransfusion testing for all patients undergoing degenerative cervical spine surgery is unnecessary. We recommend that only patients with preoperative Hgb lower than 12 gr/dl would routinely need pretransfusion testing.

Is routine blood typing and screening necessary before primary total hip or knee arthroplasty in the 21st century?

BACKGROUND

Blood loss warranting transfusion is a relatively rare complication of major-joint arthroplasty procedures like total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite this rarity, pre-transfusion testing (blood typing, screening, and cross-matching) has become routine. We sought to determine if such routine testing is necessary for patients who undergo a primary TKA or THA by (1) measuring the current rate of intraoperative transfusions in primary TKA and THA patients, (2) identifying risk factors for transfusions, and (3) calculating the costs of such blood typing and screening.

STUDY METHODS

We retrospectively examined the records of 992 patients who underwent primary TKA, THA, or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to identify patients requiring intra-operative or in-hospital postoperative transfusions. Demographic and baseline clinical and laboratory data also were collected and analyzed to identify predictors of transfusion. Cost analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The rate of intraoperative transfusion was 1.7% (17/992 patients), with rates of 2.1%, 1.6%, and 0% for TKA, THA, and UKA respectively. The in-hospital transfusion rate was 10.3%, with corresponding postoperative transfusion rates of 9.1%, 12.9%, and 2%. The only baseline variable significantly linked to transfusions on multivariable analysis was preoperative hemoglobin level, with preoperative Hgb <12 g/dl predictive of transfusions in both TKA (p = .02) and THA (p = .024) patients.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that pre-transfusion testing for all patients undergoing primary UKA, TKA or THA is unnecessary. We recommend reserving routine pre-transfusion testing for patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels below 12 g/dl.

Routine group and save screening prior to emergency laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Two group and save (G&S) samples are routinely collected from patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and/or emergency appendicectomy. We aimed to identify the necessity of this practice by looking at the perioperative transfusion rates.

METHODS

Data were obtained from our electronic theatre system for all patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery (specifically diagnostic laparoscopy and/or laparoscopic appendicectomy) between January 2017 and December 2018. Records were reviewed for the number of G&S samples sent and perioperative transfusion rates.

RESULTS

A total of 451 patients were included in the study. The numbers of procedures performed in 2017 and 2018 were 202 (44.8%) and 249 (55.2%), respectively. The total number of samples sent was 930. Only 786 (84.5%) samples were processed and the rest were rejected for various reasons. Of the 451 patients included in the study, 308 (68.3%) had two G&S samples sent, whereas 41 patients (9.1%) had only one G&S sample sent. Fifty-six (12.4%) and 20 (4.4%) patients had three and four G&S samples sent, respectively. Only two patients required transfusion perioperatively (0.4%), and the indication in both was irrelevant to the primary operation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate a near-zero transfusion rate in this patient cohort. Omitting G&S is safe and potentially saves time and resources.

Examining the Utility and Cost of Routine Type and Screen Prior to Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

Pre-operative type and screen (T&S) is typically obtained if a patient is expected to require a blood transfusion; however, in cases of minimal blood loss, routine T&S may be unnecessary. The objective of our study was to examine the utility and cost of routine pre-operative T&S prior to minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIH).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of all MIH from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Patient demographics and surgical parameters were abstracted. The proportion of MIH with a preoperative T&S was compared to the rate of peri-operative blood transfusion. Statistical tests were used where appropriate. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between pre-operative hemoglobin (Hgb) and peri-operative transfusion.

Results:

Patients (n = 307) with a mean age of 54 (standard deviation = 12.6) underwent MIH. T&S was ordered in 42.7% of cases, with 2.9% requiring a blood transfusion. Two-thirds of women receiving a transfusion had a history of anemia (p = .004). Women with a pre-operative Hgb < 10.6 gm/dL (n = 30) had a 27% probability of a transfusion, while those with a pre-operative Hgb > 10.6 gm/dL (n = 264) had a 99% probability of no transfusion. A T&S costs ∼$190 at our institution; if routine T&S was eliminated prior to MIH, cost savings is projected to be ∼$11,590 annually.

Conclusion:

Approximately 42.7% of MIH had T&S ordered, but only 2.9% received transfusions. Most patients who required a transfusion had a history of anemia. Significant cost savings could be incurred if routine T&S was eliminated prior to MIH.

Cost effectiveness of preoperative screening for healthy patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy

The objective of this study was to determine whether routine preoperative type and screen blood testing is cost effective and medically warranted for benign diagnosis in healthy patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy. The study was designed as a cross sectional retrospective descriptive study. Four hundred and twenty two medical records of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classifications I and II patients undergoing robotically-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy between 1 June 2011 and 31 May 2014 at a 211 bed regional medical center were analysed. The results from this study paralleled the findings of other published research. Preoperative type and screen testing was performed on 249 (59%) of the patients in the study. Ten patients (2.4% of the group) converted to open laparotomy. Mean estimated blood loss was 59.59ml. No perioperative transfusions were required. The results indicate that preoperative type and screen testing is not warranted for patients meeting the inclusion criteria.

Routine blood group and antibody screening prior to emergency laparoscopy

Introduction Studies show that rates of blood transfusion associated with general surgical laparoscopy are low. Currently, there are no national guidelines in the UK regarding blood group and antibody screening (G&S) for patients undergoing emergency laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess whether using G&S before emergency laparoscopic general surgery routinely is worthwhile by identifying rates of perioperative transfusion. Methods Data were collected retrospectively on all emergency laparoscopic procedures at a single district general hospital between January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Emergency laparoscopic general surgical cases were included and gynaecological cases excluded. Records were reviewed to ascertain whether G&S was performed, whether antibodies were detected and whether patients were transfused. Results A total of 562 emergency laparoscopic cases were performed. The median age was 28 years (range: 6-95 years). Laparoscopic appendicectomy (n=446), diagnostic laparoscopy (n=47) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=25) were the most common procedures. Of the total patient cohort, 514 (91.5%) and 349 (70.1%) had a first and second G&S respectively while 30 (5.3%) had no G&S. Four patients (0.71%) had antibodies detected. One patient (0.18%) received a transfusion. This patient had undergone laparoscopic repair of a perforated duodenal ulcer and there was no major intraoperative haemorrhage but he was transfused perioperatively for chronic anaemia. Conclusions These results demonstrate a low rate of blood transfusion in emergency laparoscopic general surgery. The majority of these patients had a low risk of major intraoperative haemorrhage and we therefore argue that G&S was not warranted. We propose a more targeted approach to the requirement for preoperative G&S and the use of O negative blood in the event of acute haemorrhage from major vessel injury.

The incidence of transfusion and associated risk factors in pelvic reconstructive surgery

BACKGROUND

Almost 400,000 female pelvic reconstructive operations were performed in 2010 for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in the United States, and it is likely that this will continue to increase each year. There is a lack of population-based data evaluating the risk of blood transfusion after urogynecologic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the incidence of blood transfusion related to pelvic reconstructive surgery in a large national surgical quality database and to identify transfusion-associated risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from the years 2010 through 2014. All women undergoing surgery for pelvic floor disorders were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code. Demographic and clinical variables were abstracted. The incidence of blood transfusion was determined. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical factors independently associated with blood transfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 54,387 women underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery from 2010 through 2014 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Of these subjects, 686 (1.26%) received a blood transfusion. The median age was 57 (range 28-89) years. Of the population, 0.81% was underweight (body mass index <18.5), 27.0% was normal weight (body mass index 18.5-24.9), 35.6% was overweight (body mass index 25-29.9), and 36.7% was obese (body mass index ≥30). The majority of subjects in the study cohort were Caucasian (91.4%) followed by African Americans (4.6%); the remainder included Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Hispanic ethnicity was reported in 9.3% of the population. American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 and 2 represented a majority of the sample (76.5%). Concomitant hysterectomy was performed in 20,735 (38.1%) of the population. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative hematocrit <30% (odds ratio, 13.68; 95% confidence interval, 10.65-17.59), history of coagulopathy (odds ratio, 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 2.50-5.60), and concomitant hysterectomy (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-2.12) were factors independently associated with receiving blood transfusion (all P < .05). When compared to American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1, patients who were class 3 (odds ratio, 2.82, P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 2.02-3.93) or class 4 (odds ratio, 6.56, P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 3.65-11.78) were more likely to require a transfusion. When compared to Caucasians, African Americans (odds ratio, 1.73, P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.36) and Hispanics (odds ratio, 1.92, P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-2.40) were more likely to require a transfusion. In this cohort, overweight (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.93) and obese (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.75) subjects were less likely to receive a transfusion. When compared to a vaginal approach, patients who had a minimally invasive approach (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.83) were less likely to receive a transfusion, while those with an open approach were more likely to receive a transfusion (odds ratio, 5.43; 95% confidence interval, 4.49-6.56). Age was not a risk factor for transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion after pelvic reconstructive surgery is uncommon. The variables associated with transfusion are preoperative hematocrit <30%, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, bleeding disorders, nonwhite race, Hispanic ethnicity, and concomitant hysterectomy. Recognition of these factors can help guide preoperative counseling regarding transfusion risk after pelvic reconstructive surgery and individualize preoperative preparation.

Perioperative Laboratory Abnormalities in Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Patients

Background: Laboratory blood testing incurs financial costs and the blood draws can increase discomfort, yet minimal data exists regarding routine testing in gynecologic oncology surgical patients. Additionally, an increasing number of gynecologic oncology surgeries are performed via a laparoscopic approach. Thus, further investigation into perioperative laboratory testing for gynecologic oncology patients is warranted. An increasing number of gynecologic oncology surgeries are performed via a laparoscopic approach. Thus, further investigation into perioperative laboratory testing for gynecologic oncology patients is warranted. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the frequency and etiology of perioperative laboratory test abnormalities in patients undergoing laparoscopic and laparotomy surgery in a gynecologic oncology service, and (2) to establish an evidence-based algorithm to reduce unnecessary laboratory testing. Materials and Methods: A single-institution retrospective study was completed, investigating laparoscopic and laparotomic surgeries over 4 years. Information on preoperative and postoperative laboratory data, surgical parameters, perioperative interventions, and patient demographics was collected. Quality-assurance data were reviewed. Data were tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22. A Student's t-test was used to test for group differences for continuous variables with equal variance, the Mann-Whitney–U test for continuous variables when unequal variance was detected, and Pearson's χ² was used to investigate categorical variables of interest. p-Values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationships among multiple predictors and each identified outcome. Results: The study included 481 subjects (168 laparoscopies, 313 laparotomies). Patients undergoing laparoscopy were, on average, younger (53.5 versus 57.4), with lower body mass indexes (29.7 versus 33.0) and lower rates of diabetes (10.7% versus 19.5%), compared to patients undergoing laparotomy. Overall, >98% of patients underwent at least one preoperative and postoperative laboratory test, totaling 8060 preoperative and 5784 postoperative results. The laparoscopy group was significantly less likely to have postoperative metabolic abnormalities or to undergo perioperative blood transfusion. Patients taking an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin-II–receptor blocker, or diuretic were significantly more likely to have elevated creatinine preoperatively (odds ratio [OR]: 5.0; p < 0.001) and postoperatively (OR: 7.1; p < 0.001), and this remained true for each group when divided by surgical approach. Perioperative complications meeting institutional quality assurance criteria occurred in 1.7% of laparoscopy patients compared to 11.8% of laparotomy patients (p < 0.001); perioperative laboratory testing was not a factor in the diagnosis of these complications. Conclusions: Clinically significant laboratory abnormalities are uncommon and are less likely to be found on routine perioperative testing in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparoscopy, compared to patients undergoing laparotomy. This suggests a role for limiting perioperative laboratory blood testing. (J GYNECOL SURG 32:111)

Routine ‘group and save’ is unnecessary on the day of surgery for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

What this means for cost savings and reserve stocks.

Clinical utility of postoperative hemoglobin level testing following total laparoscopic hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical utility of hemoglobin level testing in guiding postoperative care following total laparoscopic hysterectomies performed for benign indications.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

A total of 629 women underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomies during the 24 month study period. Only 16 (2.5%) developed symptoms and/or signs suggestive of hemodynamic compromise. When compared to asymptomatic patients, symptomatic patients had a larger decrease in postoperative hemoglobin level (2.66 vs 1.80g/dL, P = .007) and were more likely to undergo blood transfusion, pelvic imaging or reoperation (P < .001). Women with a smaller body mass index and/or higher intraoperative intravenous fluid volume were more likely to have a larger decrease in postoperative hemoglobin level (P < .05). Past surgical history, duration and complexity of the hysterectomy, estimated surgical blood loss, uterine weight, and perioperative use of intravenous ketorolac were not associated with a greater decrease in postoperative hemoglobin (P > .05). Using the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's annual laparoscopic hysterectomy rate and insurance companies' reimbursement for blood hemoglobin testing, we estimated the national annual cost for hemoglobin testing following total laparoscopic hysterectomy to be $2,804,662.

CONCLUSION

Hemoglobin level testing has little clinical benefit following elective total laparoscopic hysterectomy and should be reserved for patients who develop signs or symptoms suggestive of acute anemia. Heath care cost savings can be substantial if this test is no longer routinely requested following total laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Routine preoperative typing and screening: a safeguard or a misuse of resources

The probability of requiring blood products for cholecystectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy is low. The authors, therefore, suggest the elimination of routine typing and screening before these procedures.

Objective:

To assess the necessity of routine preoperative type and screen testing before a cholecystectomy, hernia repair, or appendectomy based on the risk of transfusion in our department.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the surgical database of patients who underwent a cholecystectomy, a hernia repair, or an appendectomy at Maimonides Medical Center over a 2-year period and examined the number of patients who actually received transfusions either on the day of surgery or on postoperative day 1.

Result:

We examined 3424 patients who underwent a cholecystectomy, hernia repair, or appendectomy over a 2-year period and examined how many patients required an RBC transfusion on the day of surgery or on postoperative day 1. Of our 3424 patients, 11 required a transfusion (1 appendectomy, 5 cholecystectomy, and 5 hernia repair) in the aforementioned time frame. Consequently, the risk of undergoing a transfusion in this perioperative period is 0.32%.

Conclusion:

With this low probability of requiring blood products during or immediately after surgery, our data and supporting literature firmly support the elimination of the routine type and screens before cholecystectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy without diminishing the quality of patient care.

When less is more: cost-containment in transfusion medicine

The drive to contain the rising cost of medical care provides numerous challenges to blood bankers. Not the least of these is the opportunity to improve quality of care while reducing the cost thereof. This paper explores various cost-reduction strategies, focusing primarily on those applicable to small and medium-sized transfusion services, and demonstrates methods by which they can be implemented to yield improved patient care.

Preoperative assessment of the ambulatory patient

Whenever the human body is subjected to anesthesia and an invasive surgical procedure, the potential for complications exists. A goal of perioperative care is to minimize that risk while providing the safest care available for the patient. Initial steps toward accomplishing this goal include (1) conducting a thorough preoperative assessment of the patient's medical, surgical, and anesthetic history; (2) performing a physical examination; and (3) procuring and interpreting the results of necessary diagnostic procedures and laboratory evaluations. The increased use of ambulatory surgical services, coupled with changes in health care economics, dictates reform in patient evaluation before surgery. The evaluative process must be cost-effective and efficient without compromising reliability. This article familiarizes and updates the perianesthesia nurse on management issues for the surgical patient.