Pre-Operative Clearance
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Peggy Elango, DO
Internist & Concierge Doctor located in Lenox Hill, New York, NY
Before you can have surgery, you need to participate in pre-operative clearance. This quick, in-office exam ensures you’re healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia and the procedure. At her practice in the Lenox Hill area of Manhattan, internist Peggy Elango, DO, provides pre-operative clearance to people 12 and older. To schedule an appointment, call the New York City office and speak with a friendly staff member, or book a consultation online today.
Pre-Operative Clearance Q & A
What is pre-operative clearance?
A pre-operative clearance appointment is a type of screening used to evaluate your health and to see if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery.
During pre-operative clearance, Dr. Elango conducts a series of routine tests. She might also adjust your prescription medications to ensure the best possible outcome from surgery.
What happens during a pre-operative clearance appointment?
A pre-operative clearance appointment involves several steps, including:
Step one - physical exam
Dr. Elango begins pre-operative clearance with a physical exam. During this part of your appointment, she checks your vital signs, including your heart and respiratory rate, palpates your organs, and has you perform a series of range-of-motion exercises. She also looks at your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and asks about any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing.
Step two - overall health review and check-up
Next, Dr. Elango takes your blood pressure and asks about your medical history. Make sure to let her know if you have diabetes, heart disease, clotting issues, or an irregular heartbeat. These conditions won't necessarily disqualify you from undergoing surgery, but they may increase the length of time you’ll need to recover in the hospital.
Step three - blood and urine tests
To undergo surgery, your organs need to function properly. Blood and urine tests can provide clues about your kidney and liver health. A blood test can determine if you have anemia or another disorder that might affect the outcome of your surgery. A blood test also reveals your blood type, which is a crucial piece of information should you need a transfusion.
Step four - X-rays and electrocardiogram (EKG)
A healthy heart and lungs increase your chances of a positive surgical outcome. Dr. Elango orders an X-ray and an EKG to detect potential problems. If she uncovers any disease, she may recommend treatment prior to moving forward with surgery.
Step five - medications
During a pre-operative consultation, Dr. Elango asks about any prescription medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you take regularly.
Depending on the type of surgery, she might recommend changing your prescription, taking over-the-counter medication as a substitute, or stopping the use of certain medications entirely. This is particularly true if you’re taking blood thinners or another type of medicine that affects blood flow.
Step six - consent
The last phase of pre-operative clearance asks you to sign a consent form. This means you acknowledge the risks involved. The consent process asks several questions, including your willingness to accept a transfusion and your desires involving life support. Dr. Elango can answer any questions you have.
How long does a pre-operative clearance appointment take?
Pre-operative clearance appointments usually take 45-60 minutes. To get the most out of your consultation, make sure to ask questions, and if you have any concerns, speak up.
Dr. Elango sets aside plenty of time for each pre-operative clearance. Your health and wellbeing are her top priorities.
Schedule your pre-operative clearance at the private practice of Peggy Elango, DO today. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member, or book a consultation online today.
