What Is Perioperative Medicine and Why Do We Need It?

Key Points

• Perioperative medicine is the medical care of patients undergoing surgery from the moment of contemplation of surgery until full recovery.

• The term “perioperative care” is increasingly used instead of perioperative medicine to emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of care across the patient's surgical journey and to acknowledge the role of nonmedical healthcare professionals in delivery.

• Reframing the period before surgery as an active opportunity, rather than a passive delay, is emphasized by the concept of “preparation lists,” in contrast to the traditional notion of “waiting lists.”

• Comprehensive screening and assessment before surgery enables fully informed shared decision making, targeted preparation for surgery (including management of comorbidities and prehabilitation), and rehabilitation after surgery.