Preoperative endocrine and metabolic considerations.

Patients with endocrine dysfunction have an increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. Identification of such patients prior to surgery, and preoperative management to achieve normal hormonal status may prevent or lessen episodes of morbidity. Diabetics undergoing elective surgical procedures can be managed by any number of approaches. Whatever the method used, close monitoring of blood glucose levels is imperative.