[An anaesthesiologist's perspective on requirements for pre-surgery examinations]

A preoperative check-up remains still an issue. The preoperative check-up should thoroughly evaluate an actual state of patients health, an anticipated perioperative course should be taken into account. An internist should closely collaborate not only with a surgeon, but with an anaesthesiologist as well. As guidelines cover this topic only sparsely, different approach might result either in excess or in insufficient examinations. Therefore an anaesthesia department should have its own guidelines available that would cover required preoperative check-ups considering expected operation. These guidelines should be then sent to the internist. Preoperative check-up should be done with an adequate margin before the operation, the internist should deliver a complete report including executed laboratory check-ups and consultations with specialists.