preoperative

adjective

pre·​op·​er·​a·​tive (ˌ)prē-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv 

-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

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

Rhymes for preoperative

• noncooperative
• perioperative
• postoperative

Medical Definition

preoperative

adjective

pre·​op·​er·​a·​tive (ˈ)prē-ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv, -ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt- 

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