Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2003 Apr; 20(2): 213-35, vii.

Current trends in preoperative patient evaluation and management for podiatric surgeons.

Skully R, Beasley CA, Lutz KW.

Family Practice Residency Program, 111 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.

In preparation for elective foot and ankle surgery, the podiatric surgeon often will refer the patient for a preoperative evaluation. Surgeons rely on the input of that consultant to provide a determination as to the operative risk for the patient. This article reviews the fundamental parts of the preoperative evaluation, perioperative patient management, and recent changes and trends within this arena.