Pre-Surgery Video Consultation in Germany – Digital Shift for Efficient Surgical Preparation

German hospitals increasingly use video-based preoperative consultations to reduce visits and streamline preparation, especially for international patients.

Definition Virtual meeting between patient and surgical team (surgeon, anesthetist) days before surgery.

Goals

• Save time and effort

• Reduce clinic workload

• Speed up administration

• Provide psychological reassurance

• Review medical readiness

Content of Video Meeting

• Medical history and current medications

• Review of lab/imaging results

• Explanation of surgery, duration, anesthesia

• Risks and complications

• Preliminary consent

• Pre-op diet/medication instructions

Requirements

• Device with camera

• Stable internet

• Approved platform (Jitsi, Doctolib, Vivantes Telemedizin)

• Quiet environment

• Reports and medications ready

Is video enough? No – at least one in-person visit is required (blood tests, ECG, physical exam, final consent).

International Patients Useful for medical tourism: allows early evaluation before traveling.

Data Protection Strict GDPR compliance, encrypted platforms, recording only with written consent.

Common Use Cases

• Eye surgery (LASIK): excellent

• Bariatric surgery: psychological prep, diet follow-up

• Orthopedic surgery: remote imaging review

• Cardiac surgery: requires in-person

• Cosmetic surgery: suitable for overseas patients