Why are patients healthy enough to walk wheeled into an operation theatre?

Why are patients healthy enough to walk wheeled into an operation theatre?

Usually patients for general anaesthesia are given premedication to decrease anxiety and dry up secretions in the throat. Anti anxiety medications can produce some unsteadiness while walking. In many hospitals, the legs of patients are covered with clean cloth to prevent dirt on their feet from falling on the operating theatre floor and operating table. This is another reason for wheeling in.