Any planned operation involves intervention in the human body. In order for it to be successful and with a minimum likelihood of complications, it is necessary to pass tests. Before surgery, they are also important for assessing the risks of intervention for existing diseases. Many patients are worried, afraid to miss a prescription from a doctor. So what kind of tests are needed before surgery?
General blood analysis
Liquid connective tissue, which provides saturation of each cell with vital elements, is sensitive to the smallest changes in the body. No matter what tests the doctor prescribes before the operation, a general blood test in this list will be in first place.
When studying it, the following are revealed:
- infections
- inflammatory processes
- pathology of any organs and systems.
Blood inevitably reacts to the development of an ailment by a change in composition. The main attention when decoding the analysis is paid to the number of leukocytes and red blood cells (including the rate of their sedimentation), the level of hemoglobin.
The study of all indicators is the task of doctors. A complete study of the results gives them the opportunity to determine the severity of the disease, if any, and to assess the risk of surgery. If the patient reveals serious pathologies, their treatment should be carried out first, and the operation can be postponed.
Blood chemistry
Using this diagnostic method, the doctor assesses the degree of functioning of the internal organs before surgery. The analysis also provides information on metabolism and helps to identify a deficiency or excess of vital trace elements. Both diagnosis and treatment of any disease can not do without this study.
Important indicators:
- Glucose. A lower level indicates a violation in the functioning of the liver and thyroid gland, and an increased level indicates a possible development of diabetes mellitus.
- Bilirubin. Reflects the condition of the liver and gall bladder.
- Cholesterol. It is important for assessing the state of the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems.
- AST, ALT, Gamma-GT - liver enzymes that provide information about its functioning.
- Total protein, albumin. Their low level indicates pathological processes in the kidneys and / or liver, and the increased level indicates the presence of inflammatory processes of an infectious nature.
- Potassium, sodium, chlorine. Electrolytes, which play an important role in maintaining various types of balance in the body.
- Creatinine, urea. Substances that provide information about the condition of the kidneys.
- CRP. Protein, the presence of which indicates the development of the inflammatory process.
- Iron. A trace element that is part of hemoglobin and is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis and the transport of oxygen to tissues.
Analysis to determine blood type and Rh factor
One of the most important studies before surgery. The analysis is prescribed in all cases when there is at least the slightest likelihood of a large loss of blood during the surgical procedure.
For the possibility of transfusion of donor biomaterial, the compatibility of people by group and Rh factor is important. Compliance with this condition minimizes the risk of rejection of other people's blood.
Coagulogram
Analysis, without which no operation is performed. During the study, the level of blood coagulation is determined, which allows you to identify and assess the risks associated with the possibility of blood loss during the intervention. Deviations of indicators in any direction indicate the presence of problems and create certain difficulties during the operation.
HIV test, rapid diagnosis for syphilis
The presence of these diseases is not a contraindication to surgical intervention. When they are identified, it is carried out, but subject to increased security measures. In addition, the presence of pathogens in the body significantly reduces the speed and quality of suture healing.
Blood for hepatitis B and C markers
This is a viral infection that infects and destroys liver cells. It is transmitted from person to person, therefore, if hepatitis B or C is detected, the operation is also performed with increased safety measures. If the disease is in the acute phase, planned intervention is delayed.
Urinalysis
This laboratory study provides an opportunity to evaluate the characteristics of biomaterial and microscopy of sediment. These indicators are important for the diagnosis of many diseases.
Fluorography
Important research before surgery. Analysis of the results allows you to determine the state of the respiratory system. It is prescribed if the patient has not undergone fluorography for a long time (more than 6 months).
ECG
Using a cardiogram, the doctor assesses the condition of the heart. Based on its results, the surgeon develops a strategy for the intervention, and the anesthetist determines the optimal dosage of anesthesia.
Additional research
Regarding what tests are performed before the operation, apart from the main ones, the doctor consults during an individual interview. The task of additional research is to complete the list of indications and contraindications to minimize possible risks.
For instance:
- before performing manipulations on the veins, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound and dopplerography;
- various types of endoscopic examination are necessary when operating the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system;
- to reduce the likelihood of complications, a sanitation of the oral cavity can be prescribed (even banal caries hides the threat);
- analyzes before the operation to remove the neoplasm on the thyroid gland should reflect the level of hormones and the degree of development of the tumor process.
The list of additional studies may be expanded after a conversation with the doctor.
After receiving all the results, the final step in preparing for surgery is to visit the therapist. Based on them, the doctor makes a conclusion regarding the possibility of intervention and the risks involved, and then draws up a written opinion.
Test Shelf Life
Before surgery, all studies should be “fresh” and reflect the current state of health of the patient.
To date, the following analysis periods are set before surgery:
- General blood test - 2 weeks.
- Clinical analysis of urine - 2 weeks.
- Biochemical blood test - 1 month.
- Determination of blood type and Rh factor - indefinitely.
- Coagulogram - 1 month.
- HIV test - 3 months.
- Express diagnosis for syphilis - 3 months.
- Blood for hepatitis B and C markers - 3 months.
- Fluorography - 6 months.
- ECG - 1 month.
If all the results have not yet been obtained, and any of the available ones are already expired, the patient is not allowed to surgery. Analyzes in this case are re-submitted.
Finally
It is important to understand that absolutely any surgical intervention in the human body is a big risk. An extensive study of the patient is carried out to maximize the identification of indications and contraindications, so that in case of unforeseen circumstances the doctor has the opportunity to develop the right strategy. Health features also help the anesthetist determine the dosage and type of anesthesia. All these factors minimize the risk of tragic events during surgery and complications after it.
If the test results leave much to be desired, the patient is sent for consultation with narrow specialists to obtain a treatment regimen for existing diseases, the operation is postponed.