Examination

Obviously a full examination is necessary but the following points are particularly important:

General inspection

General physic eg cachexia and mobility in outpatient room

Specific points

Cervical lymph nodes

Presence of goiter

Thoracotomy and abdominal scars. It is amazing how many patients have forgotten about the perforated ulcer that required a gastric resection, or the bleeding duodenal ulcer that has had the gastroduodenal artery tied off - which your stomach tube requires to stay alive.

Factors that affect operative morbidity and mortality

Respiratory status - How clear is the chest

Cardiovascular status - Heart murmurs, Carotid bruits, Peripheral vascular disease, and Oedema