What is a pre-surgical psychological evaluation and why are they important?

A pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps determine whether pre-existing psychological and/or cognitive problems may increase the risk of negative outcomes after surgery. Some surgical procedures, such as spinal cord stimulator placement or bariatric surgery, have a psychological evaluation as a required pre-operative step. These evaluations ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, are a good candidate for the surgery, and have all the information they need to manage any psychological and/or cognitive complications that might arise. 

What types of pre-surgical evaluations can you perform?

• Clearance for bariatric surgery

• Appropriateness for spinal cord stimulator placement

• Deep brain stimulator placement for Parkinson’s disease

• Organ transplants

• Baseline assessment for concerns of post-operative cognitive decline in high-risk individuals

• Capacity to consent to surgery and manage post-operative requirements in patients with a known neurocognitive disorder