[Survey on the preoperative evaluation in Catalonian surgical centers. I. What is the preoperative routine?]

To describe the preoperative assessment procedures currently used in hospitals in Catalonia (Spain).

The study population consisted of all heads of departments of anesthesiology, general and gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedic surgery and traumatology of hospitals and clinics in Catalonia with active operating theaters. Information was obtained by self-administered questionnaire prepared by an interdisciplinary team.

Of the 227 questionnaires sent, 139 (61%) were answered and returned. A preoperative assessment visit was programmed according to 112 (81%) of the respondents and 123 (89.8%) reported following a protocol that included ordering preoperative tests. The same tests were ordered for all patients by 25% of the respondents. A chest film and an ECG were always ordered according to 61 and 65%, respectively, and always when the patient was over a certain age according to 36 and 32%, respectively. Coagulation and blood sugar tests and a complete blood workup were always ordered according to 94%, 95% and 89%, respectively. Tests were considered valid for less than six months by most.

This survey provides evidence of widespread use of preoperative assessment, although application falls short of including all scheduled patients. According to these results, selective protocols for ordering complementary preoperative tests are rarely applied.