Repeated consultation with a surgeon (regions)

A follow-up consultation is a new visit to the same specialist within 10 working days from the last consultation for the same medical condition.

The follow-up surgical consultation is a subsequent evaluation performed by the surgeon for a patient who has already undergone an initial consultation. Its purpose is to monitor the evolution of the condition, interpret the results of performed investigations, adjust the therapeutic approach, confirm the indication for surgery when appropriate, or conduct a postoperative examination.

Purpose

• Clinical reassessment of the patient based on new medical data.
• Confirmation or exclusion of a surgical indication.
• Optimization of the treatment plan or scheduling of surgery.

Role

The follow-up consultation is an essential step in the therapeutic decision-making process and in monitoring patients with surgical conditions, ensuring continuity of care and a personalized medical approach.

Main objectives

• Interpretation of laboratory tests and imaging investigations.
• Monitoring of symptoms and clinical signs.
• Reconfirmation of the preliminary diagnosis or establishment of a final diagnosis.
• Adjustment of conservative treatment or scheduling of surgical intervention.
• Preoperative preparation, when applicable.
• Postoperative examination.

Stages 

• Discussion of symptom progression and treatment tolerance.
• Targeted clinical re-examination.
• Review of recent medical documentation (ultrasound, CT, MRI, laboratory tests).
• Confirmation or modification of the therapeutic indication.
• Information about preoperative preparation, risks, and benefits.

Indications

• Re-evaluation after an initial surgical consultation.
• Assessment of response to recommended treatment.
• Presentation of requested investigation results.
• Need to schedule surgical intervention.
• Postoperative follow-up: monitoring wound healing, identifying possible infections or complications, and discussing further treatment steps.

Procedure

• Discussion of clinical evolution and current symptoms.
• Physical examination of the affected area.
• Evaluation of laboratory and imaging results.
• Establishment of the final management plan: continued monitoring, surgical scheduling, or treatment modification.
• Patient information regarding next steps.

Duration and scheduling

• Consultation duration: 15–30 minutes.
• Possible surgical scheduling: depending on availability and urgency.
• Postoperative follow-up: according to indications, usually 7–14 days after surgery.

The follow-up surgical consultation is a key element of continuous patient management, ensuring informed, accurate, and individualized therapeutic decisions that contribute to treatment safety and success.

 

Sources:

https://teachmesurgery.com/perioperative/preoperative/assessment/
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/care-of-the-surgical-patient/preoperative-evaluation#Patient-Risk-Factors_v15767897
https://geekymedics.com/anaesthetic-pre-operative-assessment-osce-guide/
https://resident360.amboss.com/adult-medicine/surgery/preoperative-evaluation/preoperative-evaluation.html