Preoperative Assessment and Evaluation for Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial patient’s surgical condition(s), medical problems, and additional healthcare comorbidities should be preoperatively identified and managed appropriately to minimize postoperative complications or reduce the likelihood of admission to a critical care setting for convalescence. Appropriate judgment and effective medical management of the maxillofacial surgery patient can be achieved by incorporating insightful actions ranging from routine preoperative assessment to extensive evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and subspecialty consultation when needed. Optimal perioperative management for the maxillofacial surgery patient reveals its greatest impact is by preparing patients for surgery and ensuring their safe and effective transition to home. Maxillofacial surgery patient preoperative care should focus on improving outcomes, implementing the discovery from innovative preoperative practice models, improving information technology, and contributing to the evolution of evidenced-based practice principles through physician leadership and redesign of pre- and perioperative processes.