PATIENT INFORMATION
Why might an operation be postponed after the assessment?
A postponement is usually considered when there is a problem that could materially increase risk and is likely to improve with treatment, further evaluation or time.
Common reasons
- An active serious infection, including a chest infection
- Unstable heart symptoms, such as new or worsening chest pain
- Very poorly controlled acute medical illness
- A recently discovered significant abnormality that needs to be understood first
- A medicine that has not been managed safely for the procedure, such as a blood thinner or diabetes medicine
- Not following fasting instructions
What postponement is not
An abnormal test does not automatically mean surgery must be cancelled. This website cannot decide whether a particular result is safe, diagnose the cause of an abnormal result, or determine whether an operation should proceed. The important clinical question is whether the finding changes the balance of risk and whether acting on it will improve care.
For urgent or emergency surgery, the balance is different: delaying the operation may itself be the greater risk.
If your operation is postponed
It is reasonable to ask:
- What is the reason for the delay?
- What needs to happen before the operation can be rescheduled?
- Who will arrange the treatment or tests, and who should I contact?
- Is there anything I should watch for while I wait?
A postponement can be frustrating. The aim is to reduce avoidable risk before the operation goes ahead.