Renal and Gastrointestinal Considerations in Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopaedic Surgery

To minimize perioperative complications after elective orthopaedic procedures, patients may undergo preoperative medical optimization, which includes an assessment of their renal function and gastrointestinal system. The gastrointestinal and renal systems are complex, and their proper optimization in the preoperative period can influence the success of any procedure. Several factors, including a thorough evaluation and screening, with particular emphasis on anemia and its renal and gastrointestinal causes; the management of medications that are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys; and careful attention to the patient's nutritional status, can prevent complications and reduce morbidity, mortality, and the cost of care after elective orthopaedic procedures.