What is crucial to check before starting a surgical procedure?

Before starting a surgical procedure, it is essential to check the patient's allergy history, as this information is critical for ensuring patient safety. Allergies can lead to severe reactions during or after surgery if certain medications, anesthesia agents, or materials used in the procedure trigger an allergic response. Understanding a patient's allergy history allows the surgical team to make informed decisions about medication administration and to avoid any substances that may pose a risk to the patient.

While other factors, such as the surgeon's experience and the safety of the surgical room, are important to the overall success and safety of the operation, the patient's allergy history directly impacts the immediate safety and wellbeing of the patient during the surgical procedure. It is a key component of pre-operative safety checks that should never be overlooked.