Preparing the adult deformity patient for spinal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Review article of preoperative evaluation of surgical patients as relates to adult spine patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine which patients should undergo preoperative evaluation and review options for improved preoperative preparation for these patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There is increasing attention paid to preoperative preparation for surgical patients to decrease perioperative morbidity. Better preoperative evaluation may lead to decreased complication rates and may improve outcomes.

METHODS

The literature to date, including surgical, hospitalist, and critical care, was reviewed and combined with the authors' experience.

RESULTS

Suggestions for preoperative screening questions are summarized.

CONCLUSION

Better recognition of preoperative risk factors may help spine surgeons improve preoperative preparation in their patients, leading to decreased complication rates.