Preop Planning Template
Operation / Patient Hx
Positioning needs, preop interview/exam, airway, chronic pain regimen, neuro deficits, bedside echo
Positioning
Prone, lithotomy, lateral — arm placement, proneview, extenders, padding, eye protection
Plan Overview
GETA, MAC/Regional, Spinal, Epidural, Combined Spinal/Epidural
Monitors
Standard ASA, A-line, SedLine/BIS, TEE, CVP, PA pressures, cerebral oximetry, neuromonitoring
IV Access
PIV, central line, PICC
Premedication
Midazolam, lorazepam, anxiolytics as appropriate
Induction
Standard IV induction, RSI, mask induction
Airway Management
ETT (standard, oral RAE, nasal RAE, DLT, bronchial blocker, NIM), DL Mac/Miller, GlideScope, FOB, LMA
Maintenance
Inhaled (sevo, iso, des) vs TIVA (propofol ± remi)
Emergence / Dispo
Extubate awake, extubate deep, to ICU intubated
Hemodynamics
Rate, rhythm, preload, afterload, contractility — define targets
PONV Prophylaxis
Dexamethasone, ondansetron, scopolamine patch, droperidol
Analgesia
Opioid boluses/infusion, ketamine infusion, ITM, regional
Fluids / Blood Products
Goal-directed fluid therapy, maintenance rate, insensible losses, T&S/crossmatch, Belmont
Sample Cases
Anesthetic Goals
The pillars of a balanced anesthetic:
Amnesia
Hypnotic depth
Analgesia
Response to stimulus
Akinesia
Surgical field immobility
Your plan starts with what the surgery and patient require in each category.
Hemodynamic Planning
Consider what the surgery and patient require — and when during the operation you need those goals.
Surgical Examples
Targets & Agents
Positioning
Prone
Proneview, circuit extenders, chest rolls, arms tucked or out, eye protection
Lateral
Axillary roll, bean bag, arm board for dependent arm, padding between legs
Lithotomy
Allen stirrups, avoid peroneal compression, time limit, compartment syndrome risk
General Checks
Pressure points padded, head/neck alignment, arm abduction ≤90°, safety strap