Basic Surgical Techniques - pt. 1

	One of the major jobs of a Surgical Technologist is to assist the surgeon during an  operation.  As a sterile team member, the Surgical Technologist may stand directly across from the surgeon in the role of the first assistant or function in the role of the "scrub nurse."  Some of the duties of  the assistant are to sponge and suction blood from the operative site, hold retractors and other instruments, and cut suture for the surgeon.  An expanded role of a first assistant may include incising and suturing tissue as directed by the surgeon.  The "scrub nurse" will pass instruments, supplies, and suture to the surgeon during the procedure.  The unsterile "circulating nurse"  will provide for the safety and comfort of the surgical patient and will be alert to the needs of the other members of the surgical team.  For each role, it is vital for the Surgical Technologist to know the various steps the surgeon may take during most surgical procedures.  This presentation on "Basic Surgical Techniques" will show the routines for a basic abdominal case, however most of these techniques will apply to any type of surgical procedure.
	By using the surgeon's preference card, the supplies are collected for the surgical case.  This may be done in the Operating Room by surgical personnel or in the Central Supply Department and sent to the Operating Room on a closed case cart.
	Prior to opening the first case of the day, flat surfaces and overhead lights are cleaned with a damp cloth moistened with a hospital grade or high level disinfectant.
	Both the scrub nurse and circulating nurse assist with opening the sterile supplies needed for the surgical procedure.  Some hospitals have a set routine on where supplies are opened in the room, for example, the suture on the left side of the back table and the linen on the right side. Also unsterile equipment must be obtained.  Teamwork is of utmost importance now, and through out the surgical procedure.  Supplies and equipment should be obtained at this time because once the patient enters the room, the circulator's attention must be directed toward the patient.
	The scrub nurse opens his/her gown and gloves last, preferably on a separate field and proceeds to perform the surgical scrub.  Ideally, someone should stay in the room to maintain vigilance over the sterile field.

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