The history and physical examination form the cornerstone of preoperative evaluation because they provide critical information about the patient’s overall health, identify potential risks, and guide the necessity for further investigations. A thorough history uncovers comorbidities, medication use, and previous anesthetic experiences, while the physical exam assesses cardiovascular, respiratory, and other systemic functions vital for surgical planning. This personalized assessment supersedes routine tests, which should be selectively ordered based on clinical findings. Thus, clinical judgment based on history and examination optimizes patient safety and surgical outcomes.
Reference: Miller's Anesthesia, 9th Edition.