LESSON 1
MINOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
1-1.
INTRODUCTION
One of the functions of the Medical NCO is to assist the physicians assistant or
the physician in performing minor surgical procedures. Eventually, you may be required
to perform these procedures yourself. The procedures will be performed primarily in the
emergency room, the troop medical clinic, and the battalion aid station, so the patient
will be able to return to duty. Basic knowledge of the procedures may be obtained from
this lesson.
1-2.
PREPARATION OF THE OPERATIVE SITE
a. The "Skin-Prep." Preparation of the operative site is more commonly known
as "skin-prep." The purpose of preparing the site is to render that area as free as
possible from transient and resident microorganisms, dirt, and skin oil. All or any of
these could infect an open wound. The goal of this preparation is to allow the surgical
procedure to be performed with a minimal danger of infection.
b. Basic Prep: Initial Procedures. The basic preparatory procedures at the
site are as follows:
(1)
Expose the skin to be prepared.
(2)
Don sterile gloves.
(3)
Place sterile towels above and below the area to be cleaned.
(4) Place sterile, absorbent towels along each side of the area. These
towels act as an absorber for any solution that has run off. Remove these towels after
the site preparation is completed.
c. Basic Prep: Skin Scrub Procedures. Scrub the skin in this manner:
(1) Wet a sponge with antiseptic solution (or use a prepackaged scrub
brush). Squeeze out the excess solution to prevent run off of fluid.
(2) Starting at the intended site of incision, scrub the skin using circular
motions in ever-widening circles. Use enough pressure and friction to remove dirt and
microorganisms.
(3)
Discard the sponge after you reach the outside of the area.
MD0574
1-2