PRE-SURGERY EXAMS AND TESTS

Depending on the type of surgery you will be having and your age, certain blood test, heart studies, x-rays and other radiological scans may be needed prior to undergoing anesthesia.  These are necessary for your safety so that we can be sure there are no unknown or underlying medical issues.

If you are a healthy patient, the following preoperative criteria apply:

If you are 60 years of age or older, you will need an EKG and CBC (blood count)
If you are a male aged 45 or older, you will need an EKG
If you are a female aged 50 or older, you will need an EKG

If you have a history of smoking you be required to have a chest x-ray

If you have certain medical issues (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, on certain medications), other preoperative lab studies may be needed.  Dr. Bonheur will make that determination in conjunction with your primary care physician if necessary.

If any of these tests are necessary for your surgery, we may request you see your primary care physician or internist prior to undergoing surgery.  In many cases, these studies may already be on file at your own physician’s office.