Preoperative assessment of adults undergoing elective noncardiac surgery
The scope of these guideline is to provide an update on the previous European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) recommendations on the preoperative assessment and evaluation of adults undergoing noncardiac surgery. These new guidelines differ from the previous ones by focusing more on selected topics. Their aim is to avoid repetition of what is already well established from previous ESAIC guidelines, and to create a structured pathway on how patients should be assessed preoperatively. We take for granted that some of the basic concepts of preoperative tests, previously described as best clinical practice, are already implemented. We provide evidence-based recommendations whenever possible or, if there is no primary research, the authors issue clinical practical statements (CPS), based on consensus through a Delphi process, to guide clinical patient management across Europe.
Since the previous guidelines, our specialty has faced the convergence of mounting affordability challenges, increased waiting time for surgery due to clinical staff shortages and the impact of COVID-19, coupled with insufficient progress in overall treatment outcomes. This looming storm could reshape our specialty. Despite a significant and increasing demand, investment in medical training positions has remained stagnant, leaving Europe confronting a shortage of over 20 000 anaesthetists by 2040.
This updated guidelines developed in 2024 is the second update of the Pre-operative evaluation of adults undergoing elective noncardiac surgery
Important Disclaimers
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