Study design: Review article of preoperative evaluation of surgical patients as relates to adult spine patients.
Objective: To determine which patients should undergo preoperative evaluation and review options for improved preoperative preparation for these patients.
Summary of background data: There is increasing attention paid to preoperative preparation for surgical patients to decrease perioperative morbidity. Better preoperative evaluation may lead to decreased complication rates and may improve outcomes.
Methods: The literature to date, including surgical, hospitalist, and critical care, was reviewed and combined with the authors' experience.
Results: Suggestions for preoperative screening questions are summarized.
Conclusion: Better recognition of preoperative risk factors may help spine surgeons improve preoperative preparation in their patients, leading to decreased complication rates.