The Prevalence Of Different Comorbidities Among Patients Reporting To Preanaesthetic Clinic In A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Observational study

Introduction : The role of anaesthesiologist has changed from providing anaesthesia during surgery to the role of perioperative physician. The aim of preoperative assessment is to identify prevailing comorbidity, assessment of control of pre-existing disease and optimising patient for surgery. In order to provide safe anaesthesia it is of prime importance to identify the presence of disease in preoperative period. Aim : To determine the prevalence of different comorbidities among patients reporting to preanaesthetic clinic (PAC). Result : A total 5124 patients were studied in a period of 6 months. A total of 1724 comorbodities were identified in 1274 patients. Out of these 1374 diseases were identified for the first time in PAC. The most common abnormality detected was ECG changes. Discussion : Identification of pre-existing comorbidities in the preoperative clinic is imperative for optimal management of patient. Knowledge of pre-existing disease will help to formulate screening strategies in the preanaesthetic clinic. Conclusion : The finding of this study demonstrates the importance of a pre anesthetic clinic in detecting hidden co morbid condition in a sizeable patient population.