preoperative

adjective

pre·​op·​er·​a·​tive (ˌ)prē-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce preoperative (audio)
-pə-ˌrā-
1
: occurring before a surgical operation
preoperative care
2
: having not yet undergone a surgical operation
preoperatively adverb

Examples of preoperative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The website points out that 24% of surgeries are canceled due to failure to follow preoperative instructions, according to a survey from the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. Tony Madden, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025 That’s why cardiac clearance is a cornerstone of preoperative planning — and why surgeons like me take it so seriously. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025 Healthcare: Surgeons can use immersive 3D models for preoperative planning or medical training, improving precision and reducing risks. Alexandre De Vigan, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 As part of the VAD process, healthcare providers encourage caregivers to participate in preoperative and postoperative education. Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Real-Time Guidance Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of preoperative and intraoperative data to assist in surgical planning and execution. Joseph Nathan, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 It was discovered during preoperative testing for a planned procedure. Taayoo Murray, Essence, 11 May 2024 People who had acupuncture before gallbladder surgery or hernia repair had less preoperative anxiety than those who took the anti-anxiety medication Midazolam, a type of benzodiazepine.5 In general, acupuncture has other benefits. Stephanie Booth, Health, 1 Dec. 2023 This confluence of expertise forms a cohesive network that provides unwavering support from the preoperative stage through to postoperative care. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 20 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preoperative was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Preoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoperative. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

preoperative

adjective
pre·​op·​er·​a·​tive (ˈ)prē-ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv, -ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt- How to pronounce preoperative (audio)
1
: occurring, performed, or administered before and usually close to a surgical operation
preoperative care
preoperative medication
2
: having not yet undergone a surgical operation
preoperative patients
preoperatively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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