We suggest using a focused POCUS examination of the heart and lung, performed by a trained anaesthetist, in patients with any concerns regarding cardiovascular comorbidity before urgent or emergency surgery to address significant cardiac abnormalities and request a cardiology consultation and trigger more thorough cardiovascular monitoring, but it should not delay surgery. (2B)

There is no compelling evidence that a preoperative focused cardiac POCUS exam in patients with or without known chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease before elective high-risk surgery could reduce postoperative morbidity. (2B)

We recommend that preoperative antigen testing (detecting specific proteins on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) be performed only on symptomatic patients. (1C

We recommend not using chest computed tomography (CT) as a screening tool for diagnosing SARS-CoV2 in asymptomatic patients. (1C)

We suggest that patients admitted for hospital care with a previous clinical–radiological diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection that required intensive care unit or high dependency unit admission should go through more extensive cardiorespiratory preoperative evaluation [echocardiography, chest computed tomography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)]. (CPS)

We recommend assessing the patient’s airway before any procedure. (1C)

We recommend performing multiple tests to improve the positive-predictive and negative-predictive values of preprocedural airway assessment. (1A)

We suggest using the minimum set of airway assessment tests that may vary among patients depending on specific underlying pathologies. (2C).

For a comprehensive risk assessment, including the postanaesthesia care, the minimum set of airway assessment tests should include, apart from anatomical tests, the evaluation of physiology, environment, devices and the individual and team expertise. (1C).

More evidence is required before recommendations can be made regarding the need for instrumental tests (e.g. ultrasound) for airway assessment. (CPS)