Pre-Surgical Check-Up: What You Need to Know Before Any Procedure

When you decide to travel abroad for surgery—whether it’s cosmetic, dental, or another type of procedure—it’s natural to focus on the operation itself, the specialist, or the cost. However, there’s a fundamental part of the process that should never be overlooked: the pre-surgical check-up.

This set of medical evaluations is key to ensuring your safety before, during, and after surgery. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this essential step in medical tourism.

What exactly is a pre-surgical check-up?

It’s a full medical evaluation performed before a surgery. Its main purpose is to confirm that your body is in optimal condition to undergo surgery and receive anesthesia. It also helps identify risk factors that could complicate the procedure or recovery.

What kind of tests are included?

The tests may vary depending on the type of surgery, your age, and your medical history, but typically include:

Detailed medical history: information on past and current illnesses, allergies, medications, and family history.
Blood tests: including a complete blood count, coagulation, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, among others.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): to assess heart health.
Chest X-ray: especially if you are a smoker, have asthma, or respiratory issues.
Pre-anesthetic evaluation: consultation with an anesthesiologist to determine the safest anesthesia option and anticipate any complications.

Can I do the check-up in my home country before traveling?

Yes, in many cases it’s possible. Some clinics abroad allow patients to send recent test results before the trip. However, it’s important to note:

Results must be no older than 30 days.
They must be signed by certified healthcare professionals.
The destination clinic must review and approve them before authorizing surgery.

If you can’t get the tests done at home, it’s best to arrive several days in advance to complete them at the destination.

What happens if the results are not favorable?

If the check-up detects a condition that puts your health at risk—such as severe anemia, infections, uncontrolled hypertension, or heart issues—then most likely:

The surgery will be postponed.
You’ll be prescribed a treatment beforehand.
In some cases, the procedure may be canceled if it’s not safe to proceed.

While this can be disappointing, especially if you traveled with clear expectations, it is an essential safety measure.

Who performs the check-up?

Usually, the check-up is coordinated by the clinic where the surgery will take place. The team involved may include:

A general practitioner or internist
Anesthesiologist
Laboratory technicians
Radiologists or imaging specialists

In clinics that specialize in medical tourism, the process is typically streamlined to serve international patients with limited time.

How many days before surgery should the check-up be done?

Ideally, the check-up should be done at least 5 to 7 days before the surgery. This allows enough time to:

Receive all the test results
Review them with the medical team
Order additional tests if anything is unclear

Some clinics schedule the check-up within the first 24–48 hours after the patient arrives, especially if the trip includes a full-service medical package.

Is the check-up necessary even if I feel healthy?

Yes. Even if you feel perfectly fine, some health conditions show no symptoms but can pose serious risks during surgery, such as:

Blood clotting disorders
Mild but significant heart abnormalities
Hidden infections
Abnormal glucose or blood pressure levels

That’s why pre-surgical check-ups are mandatory—even for young and healthy individuals.

What about the cost of the pre-surgical check-up?

It depends on the country and clinic. In many medical tourism packages, the check-up is included in the total price. In other cases, it’s billed separately. It’s essential to clarify this ahead of time to avoid unexpected expenses.

What questions should I ask the clinic before traveling?

Here are some key questions that will help you prepare:

What tests will I need before surgery?
Can I send results from my home country, or do I need to get them done there?
How many days in advance should I arrive?
What happens if the results show I’m not fit for surgery?
Is the cost of the check-up included in the package?