Should I get a pre-op physical exam?

Question

I am planning on having a tummy tuck (w hernia and diastasis recti repair) hopefully mid November. Overall I think I am pretty healthy but with this being a major surgery I want to make sure everything is ok. What type of things should be checked during the exam for this type of surgery? Is a regular physical exam sufficient enough or do I need additional things checked?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you have medical issues or have obtained a certain age, most plastic surgeons will likely require some type of clearance.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is highly recommended to have blood work done before the surgery and a pre-op examination to make sure everything is in order.Tummy tuck is a very powerful technique in the right hands, and can have dramatic results if done correctly.  You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Janet Turkle, MD · Answer

Hi,Thanks for your question. Your surgeon may or may not require a physical exam before surgery. If you are seen regularly by a physician, meaning at least an annual physical, then you have less concern than if you have not seen a doctor forever.  Your primary care physician can share with you what he/she includes in an annual physical.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The answer to this question is very physician and patient dependent! Some physicians have ALL their patients get an involved pre-op examination (including labs) and some don't. I don't think getting an involved pre-op exam is necessary for MOST HEALTHY patients. I obtain an extremely thorough medical history and if after that there are no concerns then I usually just get some minimal blood work that we do right here in the office. However, if I am concerned for a patient's health in ANY way shape or form then I will get a medical clearance on them. A medical clearance is performed by your PCP and they determine what further tests or lab work needs to be done. If you are concerned and you want to make sure you are healthy to undergo surgery then you should be able to go to your PCP and ask them for a preop exam. I Hope this helps and good luck on your upcoming surgery!Ankur Mehta MD

Olga Bachilo, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Need for pre-operative clearance and studies needed will depend on your age and your overall health. Some patient's may need just basic lab work such as blood count and electrolytes. Older patient may need an EKG. Some surgeons may ask for you to see your family doctor and get a clearance letter from your doctor. Depending on the size of your hernia, your surgeon may also want to see some imaging studies. Hope this answers your question.
Sincerely,
Olga Bachilo, MD

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

Good morning!Congrats on considering an abdominoplasty!  It can be a life changing experience and im sure you will do well.The need for a physical exam prior is surgeon and procedure dependent.  essentially all of my patients get at least some basic blood work prior to having surgery- some I ask for preoperative clearance by their family doctor or by one of a list of physicians I have used to be sure this is a safe, easy procedure.In most patients, a basic physical exam with a blood count and perhaps electrolytes are more than enough.  Older patients may need an EKG and more expanded blood work.I hope this helps

Jeffrey G. Lind II, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and congrats on your decision to have a tummy tuck.  As others have said and assuming that you are going to a qualified plastic surgeon, they will decide what type of other MD clearance you may need.  If you are on the younger side i.e. not in your 60's and don't have any medical problems they may very well not send you to anyone else.  Good luck on your upcoming surgery.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, frankly we all should be seeing our doctor annually to assess or health and wellness and I would never discourage someone even young and healthy to visit their doctor if they feel they need to.  In general, there are criteria based on age, health, type of procedure, and medications which will guide or dictate the labs,visits with other doctors, EKG, or radiographic imaging.  Good Luck.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

Your age, health status, medications, prior surgeries, and other factors all need to be evaluated before undergoing this type of surgery.  This is normally done by your plastic surgeon's office, but sometimes another physician may be asked to give input if you have any specific health conditions.  My anesthesia group interviews my patients about a week before surgery and we can decide if any further lab tests or studies need to be done before surgery.

Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD, PhD · Answer

The goal of your pre-op assessment and exam are to assess and reduce your surgical and anesthetic risks.  In addition to assessing your overall health status, the exam helps to uncover any hidden conditions that could cause problems both during and after your surgery. It will include a history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and possibly other studies such as a chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (EKG).   If you have a medical condition or a new medical condition is identified,  optimization can be planned to reduce your surgical and anesthetic risks.

Should I get a pre-op physical exam?

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