Operation theater tips

Tips to prevent fogging on glasses when wearing a mask   Here are some tips to prevent fogging on glasses when wearing a mask: The standard technique of tying a surgical mask involves knotting the two ties so they lie above and below the ear in a near parallel appearance ( Fig 1 ).  Our method consists of knotting the superior tie first with it lying directly below the ear. The inferior tie is brought up in front of the ear and knotted over the crown of the head ( Fig 2 ). Clean your glasses with soap and water before putting on your mask. Adjust your mask to fit securely and tight on your face. Create a seal around your nose by pressing down on the top of the mask Breathe out slowly and calmly. Try using a mask with a moldable nose bridge or insert a small piece of tissue under the top of the mask. Wear glasses with anti-fog coating. Tying a surgical mask to prevent fogging Authors: DJ Jordan and R Pritchard-JonesAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS

  Retractor Fatigue During Surgery A retractor is a surgical instrument used to hold back or separate tissues during a surgical procedure. It is typically a flat or curved blade with a handle that can be adjusted to various angles. Retractors are commonly used in various types of surgeries, such as abdominal, thoracic, and orthopedic procedures, to provide better visibility and access to the surgical site. They can also be used to hold organs or other structures in place during a procedure. Retractor fatigue during surgery refers to the physical exhaustion that can occur in surgeons when using retractors for prolonged periods of time during an operation. This can lead to decreased precision and increased risk of errors.  Manual retraction, a task performed to expose the surgical site, poses a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back(1).   To prevent retractor fatigue, surgeons may take frequent breaks, use assistive devices, or

What is suctioning and its effects? Suctioning of fluid during surgery is a common practice that helps to maintain a clear and safe surgical field. It is typically done using a suction device, such as a surgical suction device, which is a tube connected to a source of suction, such as a vacuum. Fluid suctioning during surgery can be used to remove blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids that may accumulate in the surgical field. This is important for maintaining visibility for the surgeon and preventing fluid from entering the patient's lungs  and causing complications. Suctioning can also be used to remove debris, such as bone chips, during orthopedic procedures. During surgery, the surgical team may use various types of suction catheters to remove fluid and debris. These can include rigid suction catheters, which are used to clear large amounts of fluid, and soft suction catheters, which are used to remove smaller amounts of fluid. Additionally, suction may be used during surgery

An infection that develops at the site of surgery is known as a surgical site infection (SSI). SSIs can happen up to a year after some procedures, like knee replacements, or within 30 days following an operation. They can be minor to severe, cause healing to be delayed, or possibly result in sepsis or death. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication of surgery, affecting up to 5% of patients who undergo invasive procedures.  SSI  risk factors include poor hygiene, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and certain types of surgery. SSIs can be prevented by following proper surgical techniques, using appropriate antibiotics, and maintaining good hygiene before and after surgery. Types Of SSI Superficial Incisional SSI   Infection occurs within 30 days of the surgical procedure. Infection involves only skin or subcutaneous  tissue of the incision and at least one of the following symptoms from the superficial incision unless the wound  is culture negative: 1. Purulent drainage, x-ra

What type of drains are most commonly used? A surgical  drain   is a tube used to remove  pus ,  blood   or other fluids from a  wound  [1]  body cavity, or organ. They are commonly placed by  surgeons   or  interventional radiologists  after procedures or some types of injuries, but they can also be used as an intervention for decompression.   Drains are classified by various systems:  open or closed and passive or active .  Passive D rain:   Passive drains rely on gravity, body movement, pressure differentials, or overflow to move fluid or gas;  Penrose drain   - a soft rubber tube. The Penrose drain is a flat, flexible rubber or silicone tube that does not have any perforations along its length. It is typically open at both ends, allowing fluid to flow out freely by gravity. Indications: Postoperative Drainage: Commonly used after surgeries where fluid accumulation is expected, such as abdominal or orthopedic procedures. Wound Management: Effective for managing open wounds and pr

How to manage hospital waste? HOSPITAL WASTE :  Hospital waste is “Any waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research” in a hospital. Hospital Waste Management means the management of waste produced by hospitals using such techniques that will help to check the spread of diseases. Waste Minimization Hierarchy   Reduce Reuse  Recycle  WHO Medical Waste Categories  Infectious Non-Infectious  Hazardous Non Hazardous   The biomedical waste management cycle in a hospital involves several stages, ensuring that all medical waste is handled safely and disposed of properly. Here's an overview of the typical cycle: 1. Segregation: Waste is segregated at the point of generation. Different types of biomedical waste (e.g., sharps, infectious waste, pathological waste) are separated into color-coded containers according to regulatory guidelines. Warning colors for hazardous waste (Red, yellow, orange)  ➢ Positive colors for recyclin

 When it comes to skin preparation for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs), several antiseptic agents are commonly used. The choice of agent can depend on various factors, including the type of surgery, patient characteristics, and institutional protocols. Here are some of the most widely used agents: 1. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Effectiveness : Highly effective against a broad range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.   Advantages : Provides prolonged antimicrobial activity and is less irritating to the skin than some other agents. Usage : Often used in combination with alcohol for enhanced efficacy. 2. Iodine-Based Solutions    Povidone-Iodine:  Effectiveness : Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Usage : Commonly used, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.     Iodophors :  Provide a slow release of iodine, maintaining antimicrobial activity over time.  3. Alcohol-Based Solutions    Isopropyl Alcohol

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning  ( HVAC )   is the use of various technologies to control the  temperature ,  humidity , and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its objective is to provide  thermal comfort  and acceptable  indoor air quality . Importance of HEPA(high efficacy particle air filter) standard: Here are some specific reasons why ventilation is important in an OT: Maintaining Sterility : During surgery, the patient's body is exposed, and the surgeon must make incisions and operate on the tissues. The air in the OT can carry bacteria and other contaminants that could infect the open wound. The ventilation system helps to control the airflow and filter out the impurities, reducing the risk of infection. Reducing Cross-Contamination:  Patients undergoing surgery are often susceptible to infections, and the medical staff in the OT must take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Proper ventilation helps to control the flow of air and reduce the spr

Hand washing  : Purpose : Primarily aimed at removing dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands to prevent the spread of infection. Technique : Duration : Typically lasts about 20 seconds. Method : Involves wetting the hands with water, applying soap, and thoroughly rubbing all surfaces of the hands (including between fingers and under nails). Rinsing : Hands are rinsed under running water, and then dried with a clean towel or air dryer. Context : Commonly practiced in everyday situations (e.g., before eating, after using the restroom). Surgical Scrubbing Purpose : Aimed at reducing the microbial load on the hands and forearms before surgical procedures to minimize the risk of surgical site infections. Technique : Duration : Typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes, depending on protocols. Method : Involves a thorough scrubbing of the hands and forearms with a designated surgical scrub solution (often containing antiseptics like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine). Scrubbing : Uses a specific te

Fumigation in an operating theater is a process of using gas or fumes to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the air or on surfaces in the operating room. This is done to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the operating theater is sterile.  There are several types of fumigants that may be used in the OR, including hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and chlorine dioxide. These fumigants are highly effective at killing microorganisms, and they can be used to decontaminate the air and surfaces in the OR. Methods of fumigation : Electric boiler fumigation method : For each 1000 cubic feet of the volume of operation theater 500 ml of formaldehyde(40%solution) added in 1000 ml of water in an electric boiler. Switch on the boiler, leave the room & seal the door . After 45 minutes switch off the boiler without entering in to the room. Potassium permanganate method : For every 1000 cubic feet add 450 gm of KMnO4 to 500 ml of formaldehyde . Take this mi