Understanding the 3 Phases of Perioperative Care

In 2025, over 313 million surgeries are expected to take place around the world, and experts say about 1 in every 70 patients may face serious issues after surgery. That’s why perioperative care is so important. It includes everything that happens before, during, and after surgery to keep you safe and help you heal. Doctors and nurses follow special steps to lower risks and improve recovery. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the three key phases of perioperative care so you know what to expect and how each stage helps protect your health. You can search for the Illinois college of nursing accreditation to ensure your nursing program meets the standards needed to provide safe and effective perioperative care.

3 Phases of Perioperative Care

Perioperative care is divided into three key phases. Each phase plays an important role in keeping patients safe and improving recovery. 

Let’s take a closer look at what happens before, during, and after surgery. You can also check out night and weekend LPN programs if you’re looking for flexible options to begin your journey in perioperative nursing.

Preoperative Phase

The preoperative phase starts when a doctor decides surgery is needed. This is the time to gather health information and get the patient ready. Doctors review medical history, check vital signs, and may order lab tests or imaging. These steps help spot any risks early.

Next comes patient education. Nurses or care teams explain the surgery, what to expect, and how to prepare. Patients may be asked to stop certain medicines or avoid food for a few hours. Signing consent forms is also part of this phase.

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The main goal of this phase is safety. By understanding a patient’s health and preparing the body and mind for surgery, doctors lower the chances of problems during or after the procedure. This step builds trust and gives patients confidence in their care.

Intraoperative Phase

The intraoperative phase starts once the patient enters the operating room. This is where the surgery takes place. The surgical team includes doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and support staff. Each person has a role in keeping the patient safe.

Anesthesia is given to block pain or keep the patient asleep. The team follows strict sterile techniques to prevent infection. They also use machines to track the patient’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs in real time.

Communication is key during this phase. The team works together, follows checklists, and stays alert to changes. If something unexpected happens, they act fast to protect the patient. Every second matters.

This phase is all about precision and safety. From the first cut to the final stitch, the focus is on doing the surgery right and keeping the patient stable.

Postoperative Phase

The postoperative phase begins after the surgery is done. The patient is moved to a recovery room, where nurses check vital signs and manage pain. This early recovery period is critical.

Once the patient wakes up and is stable, they may move to a hospital room or be sent home. Care teams help with pain control, wound care, and movement. Getting up and walking, even a little, helps speed up recovery and prevent problems like blood clots.

Doctors also explain how to care for wounds at home, what signs to watch for, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Good communication during this time helps catch problems early and builds a smooth path toward full healing. This phase ends when the patient.

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Conclusion

The phases of perioperative care, before, during, and after surgery, work together to keep patients safe and support healing. When these steps are done right, the chance of problems goes down, and recovery is faster. Knowing what happens in each phase helps patients feel more prepared and less stressed. It also helps them take an active role in their care. 

Understanding the full process leads to better results and a safer, smoother experience from start to finish. Check out the details about the A&P class to build a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, which is essential for understanding perioperative care.