preoperative (pre-op) /prē·op″ərətiv′/ [L, prae + operari, to work] , pertaining to the period before a surgical procedure. Commonly the preoperative period begins with the first preparation of the patient for surgery, such as when the surgery is scheduled. Within 1 week, the preoperative patient has relevant studies, labs, x-ray, and a history and physical examination. It ends with the induction of anesthesia in the operating suite.
