Role of a Surgery Technician
In the operating room, the surgery technician serves a critical role in supporting the team and overall surgical process. Surgery technicians, also known as surgical technologists or operating room technicians, work alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of patient care.
Preoperatively, the surgery technician’s role involves preparing the operating room for procedures. They are responsible for setting up surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies, meticulously following established protocols to ensure a sterile and organized environment. From arranging surgical trays to assembling specialized equipment, surgery technicians ensure that everything necessary for the procedure is readily available and properly functioning, thus facilitating the operation and minimizing delays 1.
Intraoperatively, the role of a surgery technician is to broadly provide direct assistance to surgeons and other members of the surgical team. They anticipate the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies efficiently, maintaining a sterile field, and adhering to aseptic techniques to prevent surgical site infections. They can be very important in ensuring optimal visibility and access to the surgical site; as a result, attention to detail and quick reflexes are essential 2.
Surgery technicians are also responsible for managing surgical equipment and instrumentation throughout the procedure. They perform tasks such as handling retractors, suctioning fluids, and operating specialized surgical devices under the direction of the surgeon. Additionally, surgery technicians may assist with wound closure, applying sutures or staples as directed, and applying dressings or bandages to surgical incisions postoperatively. After the surgery, surgery technicians help count all of the tools and instruments used during the surgery, apply dressings, and continue to maintain a sterile environment 2.
Alongside their duties in the operating room, the surgery technician also plays a vital role in patient advocacy and safety. They participate in preoperative patient verification processes, confirming patient identity, surgical site, and procedure details to prevent errors and ensure proper patient care 3.
Surgery technicians also display strong interpersonal and communication skills that enable effective collaboration with multidisciplinary team members. They communicate with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure optimal outcomes. Surgery technicians can also provide reassurance and support to patients undergoing surgery, addressing their concerns and ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the perioperative period 4.
Overall, the job of a surgery technician requires a knowledge base of surgical procedures and instruments, attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions accurately, and strong organizational and time management skills 4. Across a number of clinical settings, surgery technicians are indispensable in the dynamic and demanding environment of the operating room. From preparing the operating room for surgery to providing direct assistance during procedures and ensuring patient safety and advocacy, surgery technicians contribute significantly to the delivery of high-quality surgical care.
References
1. Surgical Assistants and Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm. (Accessed: 17th March 2024)
2. Surgical Technologist – Explore Health Care Careers – Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science. Available at: https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/surgical-technologist/. (Accessed: 17th March 2024)
3. Association of Surgical Technologist’s Job Description | SLCC. Available at: https://www.slcc.edu/surgicaltech/ast-jd.aspx. (Accessed: 17th March 2024)
4. Surgical Technician Job Description [+2024 TEMPLATE]. Available at: https://resources.workable.com/surgical-technician-job-description. (Accessed: 17th March 2024)