Why You Should Pre-Op Plan:
Pre-operative planning is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring patient safety and advancing your education as a future surgeon.
It’s not just about having a plan—it’s about having plans: A, B, C & D. Being prepared means you're ready for every scenario, remember, expect the unexpected. Even as an attending surgeon, I still meticulously pre-op plan every case, reviewing my notes, tips, and tricks to ensure each procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
For medical students, mastering pre-op planning is transformative. It keeps patients safe, shows your commitment to learning, and often earns you more opportunities in the operating room. Surgeons notice when you show up prepared, and it’s an excellent way to stand out during your rotations.
Why Pre-Op Planning Matters
Patient Safety First: Prepping ahead means you can anticipate challenges, streamline the workflow, and minimize risks. It's another form of reducing cognitive load so you're more flexible in the operating room when it matters the most
Boost Your Learning: By creating a pre-op plan and discussing it with the surgeon beforehand, you show initiative, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the case. This often leads to increased involvement in the procedure.
Build Confidence: Having a clear, well-thought-out plan gives you confidence when it’s time to scrub in.
How to Pre-Op Plan Like a Pro
Paper-Based Planning for Visual Learners
If you're a hands-on learner or enjoy mapping out ideas visually, pen and paper might be your best friend. Here’s how:
Draw It Out: Sketch your construct AO-style. Include the fracture pattern, reduction strategy, and fixation plan.
Detail the Setup: Write down the instruments, implants, and equipment you’ll need.
List the Steps: Break the procedure into clear, sequential steps.
Highlight Pitfalls: Identify potential complications and how you’ll address them.
Digital Planning for Efficiency
If you prefer the convenience of digital tools, there are excellent platforms that can streamline your pre-op planning:
OneNote: Create customizable templates for each procedure. Use the drawing feature for quick sketches and store all your notes in one organized location.
Notion: Design a comprehensive pre-op planning database. Include templates for case details, implant options, and troubleshooting tips. Notion’s versatility makes it perfect for integrating your clinical and educational notes.
Milanote: This is ideal for visual thinkers. You can create drag-and-drop boards to outline your plan, upload images, and map out key steps in a visually appealing way.
Use My Standardized Pre-Op Template
To make things even easier, I’ve created a fillable pre-op planning form that you can download here. This template includes all the essential fields:
Whether you’re old-school or tech-savvy, find a system that works for you and stick with it. The consistency of using a structured approach will make your planning more efficient and effective over time.
Pre-op planning isn’t just about getting through the case—it’s about becoming the best surgeon you can be. By taking the time to plan, you’re not only contributing to patient safety but also laying the groundwork for a successful career in surgery.
So, grab your pen and paper, or open up your favorite digital platform, and start planning. Trust me, the effort you put into preparation will always pay off in the operating room.
How to Use the Pre-Op Template
download it by clicking here
build your plan by filling in the details including any pre-operative imaging you may have
review the plan with your attending prior to surgery
file them for future reference - they become an invaluable educational tool