What Is Perioperative Medicine and Why Do We Need It?

Perioperative medicine is the medical care of patients undergoing surgery from the moment of contemplation of surgery until full recovery. This definition excludes the conduct of the operation/procedure itself but encompasses the medical care of patients before, during, and after the procedure. Taking advantage of the whole pathway from first contemplation of surgery until full recovery offers numerous opportunities to improve clinical outcomes and experience of care both directly, in relation to the surgery, and in relation to the patient's health generally.