The Surgical Suite
The Surgical Suite can be found in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers,
physician offices, or clinics. The surgical suite is located in a restricted
traffic area of the facility to limit the microbial contamination of the
air, floors, and unit. A prime concern is infection control and the prevention
of surgical related complications. As we enter the area, hats are worn to limit
hair contaminants. Clothing worn is selected with the intention of
limiting the number of microbes introduced into the area. As we move
forward into the next century, we base our practices on research and statistics
to remove old practices that have no value, maintain practices that have a
proven value, or improve practices to increase their value.
The operating schedule assigns a team including the surgeon and patient to a
specific operating room. Surgeries in that room for the day may be grouped
by specialty such as open heart or the type of surgeon such as a general
surgeon. The team begins their day with the case schedule, but it can
change with a phone call about the motor vehicle accident on the interstate or a
gunshot wound downtown. Flexibility is a must, but excitement and
satisfaction can be the reward as you respond quickly to the challenge and send
a critical patient to the intensive care unit and eventually home.
Blood contamination and "the sight of blood" is another area of concern for new
people to the operating room. We employ all techniques to prevent
hazardous exposure to both the patient or surgical team. Each person who enters
the sterile field scrubs their hands with an antimicrobial and puts on a sterile
gown and gloves. Meticulous hemostasis is employed to limit blood loss for
the patient. Blood loss is actually minimal for a large number of cases.
Masks, goggles, gowns, and gloves are worn as protective equipment to prevent
exposure. Surgical techniques such as no pass zones limit hazards from sharp
injuries. The team member must be organized with a satisfactory level of
core knowledge regarding anatomy and physiology, microbiology, instrumentation,
tissue handling techniques, surgical procedures, and wound closure.
Equipment and monitoring devices are positioned strategically for efficient
patient care. Sterile drapes are used to establish a sterile field that
minimizes the microbial contamination to the absolute irreducible minimum. As
each person steps up to the field, they become part of it. Movement within
the sterile field is accomplished in a quick and efficient manner.
 The surgical
suite has access to sterile supplies, sterilizing devices such as a flash
autoclave, fluid and blanket warmers, pharmacy, scrub sinks, and emergency
equipment. Each patient is interviewed and assessed multiple times to
ensure the correct patient receives the correct surgical care. Wrong site
surgery has received a lot of media attention lately. During the case just after
draping but just prior to incision, the entire team pauses to verify the patient
data. Another area requiring meticulous attention to detail is the
counting of sponges, sharps, and instruments used inside the patient during the
procedure to prevent foreign body retention. Anesthesia is responsible for pain
control, anesthesia administration, and monitoring/stabilizing the patient's
condition during the procedure. The surgeon performs the procedure. Each
member has a specific role to play with duties to perform and as a member of the
team, each plays an integral part in the process. The surgical suite
is very similar to a theater production. We start the procedure by
setting the stage....turning up the lights...and have plenty of action. If
you like drama....you'll love the Surgical Suite.
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