Preoperative physicals are an important part of the surgery preparation process. A series of tests can help ensure your safety and reduce your risk of surgical complications. At Candid Primary Care in Coppell, Texas, board-certified internal medicine doctor and primary care specialist Monsur Ali, DO, offers preoperative physicals to adults. After labwork and preventive screenings, Dr. Ali makes personalized treatment recommendations. Call the office today to request a preoperative physical or make your appointment online.
request an appointmentWhat are preoperative physicals?
A preoperative physical assesses your health to determine if you’re well enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.
Modern surgical procedures are safe and have a proven record of success, but they also present risks. If you have an underlying health problem, like high blood pressure or diabetes, a preoperative physical can provide peace of mind that you’re in good condition to undergo your procedure.
At Candid Primary Care, Dr. Ali uses preoperative physicals to determine an individual’s unique risk factors. He then uses that information to help you prepare for the operation and reduce your risk of complications.
What does a preoperative physical involve?
At Candid Primary Care, preoperative physicals involve a series of tests, most of which are conducted in the on-site laboratory, including:
Bloodwork
Bloodwork measures or analyzes the cells, proteins, or other substances (like iron) in your blood. Abnormal results may indicate an underlying disease or clotting disorder that might increase your risk of surgical complications.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram uses small electrodes to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. It’s a quick and painless way to identify underlying cardiovascular problems, like an abnormal heartbeat, blocked arteries, or a heart attack.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, use advanced technologies to capture detailed photos of your bones, joints, soft tissues, or internal organs. Dr. Ali completes imaging before surgery to check for problems, like heart or lung disease.
Additional tests (if necessary)
If you have asthma, allergies, or sleep apnea, Dr. Ali orders lung function tests. If you have digestive issues, like chronic heartburn or diarrhea, he completes an endoscopy or a colonoscopy.
These tests help Dr. Ali get a complete picture of your health and play a vital role in determining the best surgical approach.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Dr. Ali may ask you to stop taking certain prescription medicines in the days leading up to your operation. For example, certain classes of drugs, like blood thinners, may increase your risk of bruising or internal bleeding after surgery.
Don’t eat anything the night before your procedure; only drink water. On the day of surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry at home. When you arrive at the hospital, let the staff know if you have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker or a prosthetic joint.
Call Candid Primary Care today to request a preoperative physical or book your appointment online.