ABSTRACT
History of presenting complaint ● Check that the condition has not worsened since the patient was listed,
which may need to be communicated back to the surgeon.
Past medical history ● In particular focussing on cardiovascular disease (including hypertension),
respiratory disease, renal disease, diabetes and significant obesity. ● If a disease is identified, it should be optimally managed pre-operatively, so it
is not enough to simply document ‘hypertension’. ● The level of control should be checked and if sub-optimal, steps taken
to improve it. This may necessitate liaison with the GP or hospital specialist responsible for the care of this illness and delaying the planned surgery by contacting the consultant’s team.
