Which specialty is most likely to manage patients expecting to undergo surgery?

Anesthesiology is the specialty most likely to manage patients expecting to undergo surgery because anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients' vital signs during surgical procedures. Their role begins well before the surgery, often involving preoperative assessments to evaluate the patient's medical history, potential anesthetic risks, and to develop an appropriate anesthesia plan tailored to the individual's needs.

They also play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery, as well as overseeing postoperative recovery from anesthesia. In contrast, the other specialties listed have different primary focuses: pathology deals with diagnosing diseases through laboratory analysis of tissues and fluids, oncology is centered on the treatment of cancer, and radiology involves imaging techniques for diagnosis and guiding treatment but does not directly interact with the surgical process itself. Therefore, anesthesiology is integral to the surgical experience, making it the correct choice when considering who manages patients preparing for surgery.