Background and Goal of Study: Performing routine screening tests in patients who are otherwise healthy is invariably of limited value in detecting diseases, changing the anesthetic management or the patient outcome, especially in low risk surgery. The basis of the preoperative evaluation is a comprehensive history, a detailed physical examination, and selected laboratory and other tests.  The purpose of this study was to verify if preoperative testing for assessment of patients proposed for in vitro fertilization followed the guideline of the department and the evaluation of its financial repercussion.

Materials and Methods : Retrospective study carried out during 6 months, before and after the implementation of a guideline on preoperative testing for assessment of patients proposed for follicular puncture at Reproductive Medicine Department.

Results and Discussion : 342  follicular puncture were performed, 179 before and 163 after implementation of the guideline. Prior to its implementation, 100% of the patients underwent preoperative screening tests, compared to 11% thereafter (p<0,001). Although 16% of patients had abnormal results, no procedure was postponed or canceled.

Conclusions: The protocol implementation at the Department allowed an annual costs reduction of 91% related to preoperative investigations. This study pretended to emphasize the importance of adoption of guidelines for a rational prescription of tests, improving preanesthetic evaluation and preventing waste of resource and time, without compromising quality of care.


02 / Preoperative assessment of patients proposed for follicular puncture economic impact pre and post implementation of a guideline.