The Patient
Unit 6: Intraoperative Considerations
During the surgical procedure itself, it is important to optimise the conditions for both the patient and surgeon. Most important of these is to plan ahead and have all equipment and facilities required readily available. Time wasted during surgery can have a significant influence on the anaesthetic risk and surgical morbidity.
Successful “modern-day” surgery still relies heavily on the basic principles of surgery which were first put forward by Halsted in 1911.
- Gentle tissue handling
- Accurate haemostasis
- Preservation of local blood supply
- Close tissue without tension
- Careful approximation of tissues
- Ensure no dead space
The development of aseptic technique concentrating on the preparation of the patient, the surgical team, equipment and environment are also essential intra-operative measures which will have a critical effect on the outcome of surgery.