Preoperative evaluation of the oncology patient.

Abstract

This review focuses on the unique perioperative concerns of patients with cancer undergoing surgery. Importantly, not all surgical procedures are intended as cures: some patients who have cancer also undergo surgery for noncancer issues. Also, many of these patients have undergone prior chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that can introduce perioperative concerns. These previous treatments, unique to patients with cancer, can adversely affect their cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine systems. This article also summarizes many important effects of a wide variety of chemotherapy agents in use today.