[Preoperative pulmonary function analysis and cardiorespiratory risk assessment: the current standard]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery

Context:

• Preoperative evaluation is crucial for identifying patients at increased risk of peri-interventional complications.
• Detailed medical history, physical examination, ECG, and spirometry are essential diagnostic tools.
• Comorbidities significantly influence operative mortality, particularly in older patients.

Purpose:

• To identify patients with increased risk of complications through preoperative lung function analysis and diagnostic cardiology.
• To inform patients about treatment options and risks for shared decision-making.
• To provide a basis for improving interventions and reducing complication rates.

Summary:

• Preoperative physiological diagnostics, including lung function tests and cardiology evaluations, are vital for risk stratification.
• Guidelines recommend interdisciplinary case discussions for lung resections, involving thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radio-oncologists, and pulmonologists.
• Extended preoperative cardiopulmonary investigation is recommended for elderly patients.

Impact:

• Informed treatment decisions leading to better patient outcomes.
• Foundation for developing advanced interventions and surgical techniques.
• Reduced peri-interventional complication rates in surgical patients.