Preoperative assessment of patients for vascular surgery

Major vascular surgery is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Targeted assessment of organ systems most likely to suffer morbidity from surgery should be made preoperatively. Thorough history and examination, with appropriate investigation, remain the cornerstone of any such assessment. In addition there is growing evidence as to the benefit of some form of objective functional patient assessment preoperatively. Preoperative assessment made well in advance of surgery allows for risk of adverse events to be discussed with patients, critical care resources to be planned and any medical conditions to be optimized.