Importance of Pre-anesthetic Evaluation in Diagnosing Coexisting Asymptomatic Medical Conditions: A Report of Two Cases

The preoperative assessment of patients undergoing surgery, often conducted in pre-anesthesia clinics, plays an important role in ensuring patient safety and optimizing perioperative outcomes. This assessment aids in identifying underlying medical conditions that might otherwise remain asymptomatic until they manifest as complications during or after surgery. Through these two case reports, the importance of pre-anesthesia assessment is highlighted. The first case involves a 67-year-old male whose surgery for lymph node excision was planned. However, during the preoperative assessment, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension were identified, necessitating further intervention and treatment adjustments before surgery. In the second case, an eight-year-old child with a history of vomiting and abdominal pain planned for tonsillectomy was discovered to have congenital hypothyroidism through a vigilant preoperative evaluation. Timely intervention and consultation with an endocrinologist ensured a safe surgery without complications. These cases emphasize the role of preoperative cardiovascular assessment, the utility of electrocardiograms (ECGs), and the relevance of routine laboratory tests in reducing perioperative mortality. Hence, pre-anesthesia assessments are not mere routine steps; they are essential components of patient care that significantly impact perioperative results.