Roles and Responsibilities of the Surgical Team

Study Notes

Surgical Team Overview

Surgical team consists of personnel providing direct patient care during procedures in sterile and non-sterile roles.
Key sterile members include the surgeon, first assistant, and scrub assistant.
Key unsterile roles include anesthesiologist, anesthetist, and circulating nurse.

Roles of Sterile Members

The Surgeon:
- Licensed physician (MD, DO) or oral surgeon (DDS, DDM).
- Responsible for pre-operative diagnosis, performing surgery, and postoperative management.
- Discusses risks and benefits with the patient and obtains informed consent.
First Assistant to the Surgeon:
- Can be a resident, intern, physician's assistant, or perioperative nurse.
- Works under the surgeon's supervision; handles tissue, sutures, and maintains field exposure.
- Must anticipate needs and handle emergencies during surgery.
The Scrub Assistant:
- A nurse or surgical technician, responsible for hand scrubbing and maintaining sterile field.
- Prepares necessary instruments and assists during the procedure by anticipating needed equipment.
- Conducts counts of needles, sponges, and instruments before closing to prevent retention in the patient.

Roles of Unsterile Members

Anesthesiologist and Anesthetist:
- Anesthesiologist is a physician who administers and monitors anesthesia, ensuring patient safety during surgery.
- Anesthetist is a qualified professional responsible for administering anesthetics; assesses and monitors patient during the procedure.
Circulating Nurse:
- Ensures patient consent and safety; coordinates surgical team and manages operating room setup.
- Records surgical events and maintains aseptic practices; conducts initial and final counts of instruments and sponges.

Paraprofessional and Ancillary Positions

Include sterilization technicians, orderlies, environmental service personnel, and clerical staff.
Their roles focus on preventing infection and maintaining sterile environments.

Aseptic Technique

Critical practice to minimize microbial presence in the surgical environment.
Goals include optimizing wound healing, preventing infections, and reducing recovery time.

Principles of Aseptic Technique

Sterile objects should not touch non-sterile surfaces; below waist level items are non-sterile.
Sterile fields must be visible at all times and kept free from contamination.
If sterility is uncertain, the object is considered non-sterile.

Appendectomy

Surgical removal of the appendix, typically due to appendicitis requiring emergency intervention.
Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain (starting near the navel), nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Diagnosis often involves imaging and elevated white blood cell count.

Cholecystectomy

Procedure to remove the gallbladder, often due to complications from gallstones (cholelithiasis).
Symptoms may include sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice if bile duct is obstructed.
Diagnostic tests include ultrasound to detect stones and assess gallbladder function.

Management Strategies

Appendicitis Management: Bed rest, antibiotic therapy, and surgery under anesthesia.
Cholecystitis Management: Pain relief with analgesics, infection control with antibiotics, and dietary adjustments.

Nursing Management

Continuous monitoring of vital signs and assessment of pain.
Patient education on dietary changes and signs of complications to improve outcomes post-surgery.

Description

This quiz explores the crucial roles and responsibilities of the surgical team during medical procedures. It covers key positions including the surgeon, first assistant, and scrub assistant, providing insights into their functions in both sterile and non-sterile settings. Test your knowledge about the dynamics of a surgical team.