Preoperative evaluation of the patient with cardiorespiratory diseases

Cardiorespiratory complications are among the most common causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality and impose a significant financial burden on the NHS. Patients with premorbid cardiorespiratory diseases can be identified preoperatively with a thorough history taking along with targeted investigations. Preoperative evaluation, risk assessment and stratification allows for clear identification of higher risk patients who would benefit from preoperative medical optimization, appropriate planning of perioperative care including anaesthetic management, modification of surgical procedure and the level of postoperative care required as a part of risk reduction strategies.