Pre-operative MRI — what you need to know

Magnetic resonance imaging is often essential in preparing a patient for surgery. It provides surgeons with a precise ‘atlas’ of the structures they are operating on, reducing the risk of complications and shortening the duration of the operation.

The most common operations requiring an MRI scan before surgery

• Neurosurgery — brain and spinal cord tumours, haematomas
• Orthopaedics — ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, joint replacement
• Oncology — tumour staging, radiotherapy planning
• Vascular surgery — aneurysms, malformations
• Gynaecology — uterine fibroids, endometriosis
• Urology — prostate cancer, kidney tumours

What a surgeon sees in a preoperative MRI

An MRI provides 3D information on:

• The exact location of the lesion
• Dimensions (length, width, depth)
• Relationship to adjacent structures (vessels, nerves, bones)
• The extent of infiltration into surrounding tissues
• The presence of oedema, haemorrhage, necrosis

These data are crucial for planning surgical access, resection margins and the anticipated duration of the operation.

Preparation for preoperative MRI

1. A referral from the surgeon with a detailed description of the expected examination
2. Previous examinations (X-ray, ultrasound, CT) — bring on a CD/USB
3. List of medications — particularly anticoagulants and beta-blockers
4. Examination time: 30–60 minutes, with intravenous contrast
5. After the scan: report available within 24 hours; can be collected in person or sent electronically

Why have an MRI at APERTA before surgery

• ✅ Quick appointment — 3–5 days from booking
• ✅ Results within 24–48 hours — rapid surgery planning
• ✅ DICOM CD — the surgeon has access to the original images
• ✅ Telephone consultation between the radiologist and the surgeon in case of doubt
• ✅ No stress from claustrophobia — the patient is already stressed before surgery

What to bring to a pre-operative MRI

• Referral from the surgeon (original or a photo)
• ID card
• Discs containing previous imaging studies
• A list of medications you are taking
• If you have any allergies — information about contraindications
• Comfortable clothing without metal fastenings