Perioperative laboratory and diagnostic testing--what is needed and when?

Preoperative patient evaluation is an essential component of any surgical practice. A complete history and physical, along with appropriate diagnostic tests, are performed routinely to ensure a safe and predictable delivery of care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use this principle in everyday practice. Regardless of type of surgery and practice (office-based dentoalveolar surgery, orthognathic surgery, trauma, elective aesthetic surgery), oral and maxillofacial surgeons must formulate a decision-making process and a treatment plan regarding the perioperative management of patients. The anesthetic plan and the surgical plan must be assessed preoperatively.