Every year, more than 3 500 000 patients require a general anaesthetic. When undergoing a general anaesthetic comorbidities can increase a patient’s risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality, and thus, it is sometimes necessary to delay planned procedures in order to address this problem. When referring patients for consideration of surgery, GPs have a fundamental role in optimisation of many chronic conditions in order to reduce peri-operative mortality and avoid delays. Furthermore, with the increase of day surgery procedures and prompt discharge, GPs are regularly reviewing patients post-operatively and have to advise on the management of common side effects and complications. This article will discuss the management of chronic conditions and comorbidities prior to surgical referral, as well as common complications of general anaesthesia that GPs may encounter.
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