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. Examples include an active serious infection, unstable heart symptoms, very poorly controlled acute medical illness, a recently discovered significant abnormality, or a medicine that has not been managed safely for the procedure.
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.