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WHAT IS AN ONLINE MEDICAL CONSULTATION & HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST MEDICAL CONSULTATION?

WHAT IS AN ONLINE MEDICAL CONSULTATION & HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST MEDICAL CONSULTATION?

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon
Online medical consultation is an increasingly widespread practice. Among other advantages, it allows you to save time and better organize your patient schedule. Through digital tools, your clinic could perform online medical consultations in a simple and intuitive way.

What is an online medical appointment?

These are medical appointments that are made telematically. Tools such as telephone, chat, e-mail, or videoconferencing are used for this purpose.

However, online medical consultations are not only limited to the appointment with the doctor, but also to the entire process prior to scheduling an appointment online or following up with patients.

Characteristics of an online medical appointment: how would it work?

The process of making an online medical consultation is very simple. Your own clinic can set up its own protocols for booking a session with the doctor.

For example:
  • Users can easily request a free online medical appointment online at your clinic (with our medical appointment scheduling tool).
  • The appointment information is assigned to the corresponding doctor, who can access it from his or her medical agenda.
  • Send a reminder by SMS or plan any other action you are going to perform with that patient.
  • Make the appointment online by the telematic means that you offer to your clients. For example, by telephone, being able to access their clinical history at that moment from the software.
  • Issue a first medical diagnosis online (only if possible), read or request the necessary laboratory tests.
  • Follow up with the patient online, for example by booking further appointments from this one.

Types of online medical consultations

Obviously, not all doctor's appointments can be made online. On many occasions, the patient's presence will be required, especially if specific actions need to be performed.

However, for tasks that require medical advice or the issuing of a prescription based on the symptoms described by the patient, virtual medical consultations are often more than sufficient.

Virtual medical care can be classified into different types:
  • Telephone medical consultation: when communication takes place via telephone.
  • Videoconference: this is communication between the doctor and the patient through a video call.
  • Chat: there are clinics that implement a chat so that the patient can talk to the doctor more quickly.
  • E-mail: This is advice or consultation via e-mail, where communication takes place in writing.

The advantages of telemedicine

As new technologies advance, telemedicine is also becoming more popular in the medical sector. Clinics can thus optimize time and lighten their busy schedules by making virtual medical appointments that do not require the doctor's physical presence.

Among the main benefits of the virtual doctor, the following are worth mentioning:

Free first consultation

Many times, the patient is just evaluating which clinic he/she would like to work with. For that, he/she prefers to have a meeting via videoconference and book medical appointments online.

This allows clinics to open up a form of marketing that also saves them time. This is the free first consultation, which for example many reproductive or psychological clinics often offer to their patients.

Get a free diagnosis online

Online appointments save travel time and allow the patient to find out more quickly what is wrong with him or her. Online medical consultation is often the best solution.

Getting a free online medical diagnosis is another great advantage, since this way you can act more quickly than if the patient had to wait for a slot in the agenda.

Lighten the waiting list

Optimizing the medical agenda and improving organization is another direct advantage of online medical appointments.

Often face-to-face or traditional appointments are less productive since a phone call can resolve the patient's needs more quickly.

Save time and gain productivity

From the online medical consultation, we can extract an improvement in the productivity of doctors and an important time saving, both for doctors and patients, but also for the administrative staff.

When you schedule a medical appointment online, you can automate numerous processes that were previously done manually. In addition, you reduce waiting room congestion and contribute to better appointment management.

Cost reduction

It should also be added that if some appointments are handled exclusively online, you can also make significant cost savings.

For example, if you combine an online medical appointment with a diagnosis and an electronic prescription, you can save on paper printing costs.

For what types of conditions is virtual medical care recommended?

Obviously, virtual care cannot replace traditional appointments completely. Many patient needs can only be resolved when the physician is present, as a diagnosis cannot always be made by the patient's description of symptoms alone.

In this sense, virtual medical appointments are often recommended for common problems or consulting and advice. For example:
  • Flu and colds
  • Acne
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Constipation and hemorrhoids
  • Sexual and reproductive health consultations
HOW TO RELIEVE PAIN AFTER SURGERY: IMPORTANT REMEDIES & CARE

HOW TO RELIEVE PAIN AFTER SURGERY: IMPORTANT REMEDIES & CARE

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon

After surgery, it is common to have pain or discomfort at the site, so the doctor usually recommends the use of analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory medications, which help control pain and swelling, such as dipyrone, paracetamol, or tramadol, for example, depending on the type of surgery and the intensity of the pain.

Pain control is very important to allow faster recovery, to allow movement, to reduce hospitalization time, and the need for additional doctor's visits. However, in addition to medication, it is also important to take other precautions after surgery, which have to do with proper nutrition and rest, as well as wound care.

The type of medicine, whether milder or stronger, varies according to the size of the surgery and the intensity of the pain that each person may experience. However, if the pain is very intense or does not improve with the medication, it is important to return to the doctor to reassess its use.

The main ways to relieve pain after surgery are:

1. Pain medication

Pain remedies are usually indicated by the doctor right after surgery, and may be maintained for several days or weeks while the person recovers. Some of the most commonly used pain medications include:

  • Analgesics (dipyrone or paracetamol): these are widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reducing discomfort and making it easier to perform daily activities;
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, meloxicam, or celecoxib): there are several options, in tablet or injectable form, and are widely used because they relieve pain and reduce inflammation, also reducing swelling and redness;
  • Weak opioids (tramadol or codeine): these are useful for relieving moderate pain or pain that does not improve with lighter medicines, such as paracetamol, because they act on the central nervous system, and are usually used in conjunction with other painkillers;
  • Strong opioids (morphine, methadone or oxycodone): are even more potent, also in tablet or injectable form, and may be considered in more intense moments of pain, or when the pain does not improve with previous treatments;
  • Local anesthetics: applied directly to the surgical wound or in places of intense pain, such as in the joint or after orthopedic surgery, for example.


For the pain treatment to be effective, the treatment with these drugs must be well planned and indicated by the doctor, and the drugs must be taken at the proper times and never in excess, due to the risk of side effects.

2. Home remedies

Besides the pharmacy remedies, a great home remedy to relieve pain and speed postoperative recovery is to apply cold compresses to the area around the surgical wound, or to the affected area, holding for about 15 minutes and repeating 3 to 4 times a day. This measure helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

It is also recommended to wear comfortable, loose, and ventilated clothing, which will reduce friction and tightness in the areas that are recovering. Rest is also essential after surgery. The resting time is recommended by the doctor, according to the procedure performed and the physical conditions of each person, and can vary from 1 day, in localized aesthetic procedures, for example, to 1 month, in the cases of major surgeries.

One should look for comfortable positions, with the support of pillows, avoiding staying more than 2 to 3 hours in the same position. The doctor or physiotherapist may also recommend other appropriate activities, such as walking or stretching in bed, because excessive rest is also harmful to the health of muscles, bones, and blood circulation.

3. Care of the surgical wound

The care of the surgical wound should be guided by the surgeon and nursing staff. However, some important tips are:

  • Keep the wound clean and dry at all times;
  • Avoid exposing the wound if it is covered by a dressing;
  • Perform the nursing consultations for wound care;
  • When the wound is exposed, clean with saline solution or water with mild soap, or as directed by your healthcare professional;
  • Avoid rubbing the wound;
  • Avoid sun exposure for about 3 months, to reduce the risk of scarring.


You should also regularly evaluate the appearance of the wound because it is common for a transparent secretion to appear for a few days; however, it is important to see a doctor if there is a bloody or pus-filled secretion or signs of infection, such as swelling, severe pain, or fever, for example.

HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR YOUR SURGERY

HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR YOUR SURGERY

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon
Undergoing any surgical intervention is an important decision that requires complete information about the operation, adequate preparation for it, and foresight about the possible personal, family, and economic repercussions throughout the entire perioperative period (before, during, and after the operation).

The planning of a surgical procedure involves five essential steps:
  • The consultation with the surgeon
  • The pre-anesthetic consultation
  • The surgery
  • The immediate postoperative period
  • Discharge and the care and check-up plan

The last two vary depending on whether the surgery involves hospitalization or outpatient surgery (the patient goes home a few hours after the operation).

During the consultation with the surgeon, the surgeon explains to the patient the reasons for recommending the operation, the alternatives to it, the expected benefits of the procedure (or the harm if it is not carried out), and the risks and complications that may arise from the intervention. It should not be forgotten that a surgical operation, however small it may be, represents an aggression to the organism, with which the aim is to improve the patient's state of health, but which implies a risk -generally small- of suffering discomfort, undesirable effects and sometimes complications that can become important. Naturally, the risk of suffering some complication is directly related to the complexity and difficulty of the operation, and to the patient's state of health (which is called comorbidity or associated pathology: previous diseases, diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.).

Informed consent

Every patient who decides to undergo surgical treatment must sign a document stating: his or her full name and that of the surgeon, the place where the operation will be performed, the type of intervention proposed, and the reason for which it is proposed, as well as a statement in which he or she acknowledges having understood and accepted the explanations received. It is very important that patients are fully informed in terms they can understand: in case of doubt or uncertainty, it is essential to ask the surgeon. This form is signed during the consultation or at a later time; always before the operation.

The days before surgery

Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, you should not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medications that may interfere with clotting or anesthetics in the days prior to surgery. It is also advisable to restrict alcohol intake and, if smoking is harmful in any situation, it is especially harmful before surgery. It is therefore advisable to stop smoking a few days beforehand. The surgeon will establish the plans concerning any other indications regarding diet, medication, specific preoperative preparation, etc. It is essential that the patient informs about any incidence on his health: the appearance of fever, cough, cold, etc. are generally sufficient reasons to delay the surgery.

In the case of particularly serious operations, some patients choose to express their wishes regarding their health care by means of a written declaration of advance directives. It is also advisable to be perfectly clear about the financial aspects of the procedure (insurance coverage) as well as to have everything necessary for after the surgery: care at home, transfer from the hospital (it is not advisable to drive after surgery), etc.

Finally, the day before the surgery, make sure you follow the instructions given: do not drink or eat during the indicated period (usually from eight hours before), take a shower and ensure the cleanliness of the surgical area, take the prescribed medication and comply with the specific recommendations (bowel preparation, shaving, etc.). On the day of the operation, it is advisable to go to the hospital in good time, dressed in comfortable clothes. Do not carry money or valuables and avoid metal objects (chains, bracelets, etc.). It is also advisable not to wear makeup or nail polish and inform the doctor or nurse if you wear dentures or other prostheses.

Numerous surgical procedures are performed every day with a very high degree of safety. The best way to face this experience and reduce the anxiety and uneasiness caused by the unknown is precisely to reduce uncertainty through correct information. Therefore, the best advice that can be given to a patient who is going to undergo surgery is that he/she should not hesitate to consult and ask any doubts or questions regarding his/her operation.
HOW IS THE LASER ENGRAVING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS DONE

HOW IS THE LASER ENGRAVING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS DONE

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon
The Laser Engraving on Surgical Instruments, performed by Jensen Instrument Technologies can be done in a machine that has the accessory 4th axis which is used for engraving cylindrical parts, we have the latest generation equipment: YAG LASER and FIBER OPTICS.

The Laser Engraving on Surgical Instruments can be a superficial engraving "just for reading" or it can have a deeper engraving so that when this engraving is used in the production process of some other product (case of electrodes and molds) it will have a very satisfactory result.

We accept orders for any amount of service of Laser Engraving in Surgical Instruments, we can work with small, medium, or large batches, and also make the Laser Engraving in Surgical Instruments in only one piece, we do as the need and demand of the customer.

Jensen Instrument Technologies is the ideal solution for laser engraving of surgical instruments

The Laser Engraving on Surgical Instruments is used for personalization as well as equipment identification parts and instruments within the operating room, with the recording of sequential numbering, technical standards, in short, there are numerous applications for this type of recording, below are some other examples of applications of laser engraving:

Personalization: gifts in general (plastic or metal), metal clasps for bags, personalized gifts (pens, keychains, knives, squeeze) wedding souvenirs, anniversaries, advertising.
  • Laser engraving of surgical instruments.
  • Laser engraving of optical parts.
  • Engraving for the fashion industry.
  • Commemorative plaques: homage, congratulations, merit award.
  • Technical plaques: with material information, coordinates, geometric traces, weighing, and mold identification.
  • Scales: millimeter/centimeter graduation, graduated nons for machines and measuring equipment, circular engraving with divisions in degree, rulers with opposite and symmetrical graduations, rulers for machines and measuring equipment in general.
5 MILESTONES THAT CHANGED THE HISTORY OF SURGERY

5 MILESTONES THAT CHANGED THE HISTORY OF SURGERY

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon
To delve into the history of surgery is to venture into the history of man, science, and culture. To such an extent that in ancient times there were those who believed that due to the perfection and expertise that these practices demanded, their practice was more akin to art than to science. In fact, surgery, etymologically speaking, means "manual labor".

The progress of science and medicine made it possible to lay the scientific foundations of modern surgery in the 19th century. What were the main milestones that allowed the advancement and professionalization of surgery?

1. The emergence of pathological anatomy

Pathological anatomy, a branch of medicine devoted to the study of diseases in order to achieve correct diagnoses from biopsies, cytologies, and autopsies, has its beginnings in the naturalistic philosophy of Empedocles. Hippocrates, based on Empedocles' developments, was the first to relate pathology to the alteration of humors (blood, lymph, black bile, and yellow bile). On his side and in the Middle Ages, Galen turned these theories into dogmas. 

It was only during the Renaissance, with the gradual fall of theocentrism and the flourishing of culture and science, that the first anatomists appeared, with Leonardo Da Vinci standing out among the most important figures, archetype of the conjunction of science and art related to the beginnings of surgery.  

2. Anesthesia, the battle against pain

It is impossible for us today to imagine surgery without anesthesia. However, the discovery of anesthesia is relatively new. Its appearance as such dates back to the middle of the 19th century and its discovery modified surgical practices not only in relation to pain but also to the speed that defined "a good surgeon" at that time. Anesthesia also allowed the development of more sophisticated techniques with optimal results in the field. 

Although some names precede the history of anesthesia, the dentist William Morton decided to try first hydrochloric and then sulfuric ether as anesthesia. In 1846 Morton tested the effects of this on his body and obtained 8 minutes of total insensibility. 

The first surgery was performed that same year at Massachusetts General Hospital, where surgeon John Warren, founder of Harvard Medical School, amputated a leg using sulfuric ether. Soon after, its use was incorporated into obstetrical procedures and soon spread throughout Europe. 

3. Asepsis and antisepsis, the battle against infection

With the development of anesthesia, the duration of operations increased and this gave way to wound infections. The development of asepsis and antisepsis was essential for the advancement of surgery. 

Antisepsis had its precedent in the observations of Ignaz Semmelweis, a renowned Hungarian obstetrician who, in 1847, asked physicians and students to wash their hands with a chlorinated substance when leaving the dissection room, resulting in a decrease in puerperal fever from 12.34% to 3.04%. 

Louis Pasteur's findings on pathological germs inspired the British surgeon Joseph Lister, a precursor in the development of antisepsis. It was Lister who proposed spraying the surgical space first with carbolic acid and then with phenolic acid to keep germs away. This measure revolutionized the operating rooms.

For his part, Robert Koch, upon discovering the destructive effect of steam jets on bacteria and spores, promoted sterilization with steam jets, both for instruments and for sutures and bandaging materials. 

Another transcendental advance in the fight against infections was the discovery of penicillin in 1928 by the Scottish microbiologist Alexander Fleming.

4. From the operating amphitheater to the modern operating room

Hand in hand with the new knowledge and new technologies of each era, operating theaters were and are, without a doubt, the hospital space that has evolved the most over time.

In the 18th century, the space for surgical practices acquired its own name: Operation Theaters. In these specialized units, surgeons offered their knowledge and skills to large audiences. In the mid-19th century, with advances in anesthesia, asepsis and antisepsis, surgery acquired scientific status and the design of the operating rooms we know today began.

In the 20th century, Paul Nelson proposed the separation of clean-dirty flows and from then on the concept of the "germ-proof" operating room took on a decidedly technical character. The entire surgical space is thought out and designed, paying attention to every detail. Lighting, air conditioning systems, constant air renewal flow, pressure controllers, sterilizers for the environment and surgical instruments and the use of disposable materials make up the atmosphere of this technical-technological universe which is the modern operating room and which is specified, renewed and diversified in the light of new advances and innovations.

5. Image-assisted surgery

Technological advances in recent decades, including the development of robotics, augmented reality and the internet of things, have made it possible to adjust the level of precision of surgeries, multiplying their possibilities and proposing safer, less intrusive procedures with shorter recovery times.

These developments not only make it possible to obtain valuable preoperative and intraoperative information, but are also the basis for assisted surgery, which, among other things, allows professionals to determine complex maneuvers and procedures remotely.

In relation to the constant technological advances and the adaptation of surgical spaces, the development of modular operating rooms allows for the reconfiguration of surgical units. This, in turn, allows for more flexible and specific circuit segregation models, which allow for the incorporation or replacement of technology and equipment (panels, monitors, screens, etc.) more easily than in traditional operating rooms. 

Conclusion
From the development of anesthesia to the fight against infections, the history of surgery is more than exciting. Each era confronts this adrenaline-filled discipline with the challenge of thinking, often against the prejudices of the time, the best cooperation between humans, knowledge, and technologies.

Knowing the latest news and technological developments that can be used to improve surgical procedures and provide innovative solutions will always be the basis for thinking about the present and the future of surgery.

As time goes by, not only new medical-surgical products, techniques, and materials are incorporated. In addition, the number of cutting-edge teams of professionals is multiplying.
HISTORY OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

HISTORY OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

September 06, 2022 Melcris Opon
Surgical instruments are essentially extensions of the surgeon's hands. Using them provides many advantages, they hold tissue more effectively than fingers, and they can also hold other instruments; for example, needle holders hold needles for suturing. Instruments have evolved throughout history from cutting and suturing tissue to transmitting electrical impulses and high-frequency light.

The first instruments used in the Stone Age were knives and awls made of flint or obsidian. Other organic materials such as wood, horn, animal teeth, and some shells were also used. The oldest weapon that has been found is the Leringher spear in Germany, made of yew wood. It is two meters long and its tip is hardened by fire. Chronography indicates that it was made 80,000 years ago.

There are basically three kinds of instruments: cutting instruments such as knives and saws, drills and needles, and percussion instruments such as chisels and hammers. The oldest drilling instruments were awls made of stone, wood, bone or horn. In the age of metals, bronze and other alloys of copper, gold and, finely, iron and steel began to be used. Going a little deeper into the history of the trephine, the first image of the handle similar to the carpenters' berbiquí can be found in the book of Hippocrates illustrated by Guido Guidi (Vidi, Vidus, 1501, a Florentine physician who described the Vidian nerve). The straight trephine handle was also known to be rotated with a bow, intermittently back and forth, but the manubrium has the advantage of continuous rotation. In the Middle Ages, illustrations of the handle are found in books by Berengario de Carpí (1518), Ambrosio Paré (1560,) Andrés Alcázar (1575), Andrés de la Croce (1661) and others. As a carpentry instrument, it can be seen in the workshop of San José in the triptych The Annunciation by the Master of Flemalle (1439). This handle is sold commercially as the Hudson Handle. In reality, this English surgeon attributed it to his master Pott. The same is true of the D'Errico trephine, which has been known since Babylonian times. The Greeks and Romans called it Modiolus which allows the removal of discs or cylinders of bone. Celsus describes it in the first century AD with a central punch.

In medieval times it was modified with two male and female trephines. These drilling instruments have been used by dentists since ancient times, to them, we owe the invention of the pedal machines and finally of the motors (handpiece) that rotate at four or five hundred thousand revolutions per minute, which have been modified for surgical use in different specialties. In ancient Mesopotamia (an area in southern Asia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers) cultures practiced some degree of surgery. Small copper knives of the Sumerians (present-day southern Iraq) from around 3000 BC are believed to have been surgical instruments. The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi from around 1700 BC mentions bronze lancets (instruments with two-edged cutting points used to make small incisions). Because the Code foresaw severe penalties for poor results of medical treatments, surgery was practiced sparingly. Ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures were opposed to cutting bodies, so surgical instruments were not widely used.
LASER ENGRAVING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

LASER ENGRAVING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

August 29, 2022 Melcris Opon
Our company was founded in 1983, Jensen Instrument Technologies is a company specialized in Laser Engraving of Surgical Instruments, during these 39 years, a long experience was acquired, and thus resulting in a reference company in the field with an excellent quality and excellent professionals.

Jensen Instrument Technologies is specialized in services of Laser Engraving in Surgical Instruments in several materials such as:
  • Tempered Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Brass
  • Aluminum
  • Plastics.

There are many applications that we can do with lasers, we can also do the laser engraving on surgical instruments that are with treatment already applied (chrome, nitrided, anodized).

In the case of surgical instruments, Jensen Instrument Technologies guarantees 100% accuracy, as we are highly reliable, and our 39 years of experience in laser engraving has made us a market reference.

Why Choose Us?

More and more products need to be traceable today, for logistical, maintenance and safety reasons. Tracking parts and products starts with the application of a number that is recognizable and unique to the organization. Especially in this application, marking lasers are an exceptional addition for companies and hospitals. Here are some benefits of laser marking your surgical instruments;
  • Laser marking is resistant to acids, cleaning agents and body fluids.
  • Depending on the marking process to which the utensil or instrument is subjected, its structure remains intact, without delving into the material, which guarantees proper cleaning and sterilization of the instruments.
  • Permanent and long-lasting identification.
  • It offers long-lasting and durable identification in color change, without affecting the surface structure of the material.
  • In addition, the marking is free of rough edges, where bacteria could accumulate.
  • Your medical instruments are guaranteed to be sterile.

Do ensure to contact us if you need Laser Engraving done on your Surgical Instruments.

IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF YOUR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF YOUR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

August 29, 2022 Melcris Opon
For a surgery to be successful, a number of factors must come together, among them is the quality and the state of conservation of the surgical instruments that will be used.

When we talk about surgery, one of the first scenes that comes to mind is a sterile environment surrounded by good professionals.

Among the people necessary for a successful procedure are the surgical instrument makers, who are responsible for separating, cleaning, setting up the table, and supplying the instruments that will be used during the procedure.

However, they are not the only ones responsible for the preservation of the pieces, but also the doctors and assistants, that is, everyone who handles the surgical instruments at some point are responsible for them and need to be attentive during their use, especially to avoid fails and contamination.

Thus, among the reasons that justify the care of surgical instruments are the need to keep them sterile and to preserve the good functioning of the instruments.

Taking care of your surgical instruments is crucial to keep the performance and conservation up to standard. Through it, the appearance of cracks, fissures, deformations, corrosion points is prevented, besides wear and fatigue signs.

Performing the care of your surgical instruments with Jensen's specialized technicians makes it possible to increase the useful life and the performance of the surgical instruments thereby reducing the cost of replacing new instruments.

What Should Not be Done with the Instruments

Not only what needs to be done deserves to be mentioned, but also what should be avoided, such as:
  • Using products not indicated for both washing and rinsing the parts;
  • Using steel sponges for cleaning;
  • Putting too many surgical instruments on top of each other during the drying, washing, or even storage process;
  • Not allowing the instruments to dry naturally;
  • Keeping clean instruments in stained boxes or boxes with contamination risks.
  • Causing falls that may compromise the operation or efficiency of the parts.

Conclusion

As mentioned before, the surgical instruments are the responsibility of the entire team that is present during the procedure.

Thus, from the correct positioning of the pieces on the instrument table to their handling, to the sterilization cycles at the material center, everything is under the responsibility of those involved.

Also because of this, it is necessary that the professionals are dressed accordingly, even more so remembering the importance of keeping these items sterile. Thus, they should only be handled when the professional is wearing a cap and surgical apron, a protective mask, gloves, and a propé.

If there is an incident that leads to the fall of any part, or even the manipulation of instruments without the proper paramentation, these must be replaced immediately, at any time during the surgery.

All the care with the surgical instruments indicated here needs to be applied by the professionals who use them. By doing so, it is possible to increase the useful life of the parts, preserve the health of the patients, and generate savings for the healthcare institution.

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MAINTENANCE, CARE AND PREPARATION OF A LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTATION

MAINTENANCE, CARE AND PREPARATION OF A LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTATION

August 29, 2022 Melcris Opon
Care and maintenance of a laparoscopic instrument is an important and necessary task for every surgical department. This article provides you with a step by step approach to the task of maintenance, care and preparation of a laparoscopic instrumentation system.

Washing of instruments

It should be remembered that washing, i.e. cleaning, is the most important thing in the maintenance of a laparoscopic instrument. The objective of washing is to reduce the number of microorganisms on the instruments.

Once the instruments have been used, at the end of the surgery, they should be immediately transferred to the washing area, for which a container with an adequate lid should be available; sharp (scissors, needles, trocars, and punches) should be handled with care; the jaws of the instruments should be opened, with or without a zipper; and the assemblable instruments, such as forceps and scissors, should be disassembled.

For washing, an enzymatic detergent should be used, which has the properties of dissolving and digesting blood, mucous remains, fecal material, proteins and any other organic matter, in addition to removing dirt. It is very important that this enzymatic detergent is prepared with distilled water, because if the instruments are in contact with saline solutions they will be exposed to oxidation, due to their high corrosive power.

The instruments should be organized according to consistency, weight and fragility and should be thoroughly checked to determine the degree of cleanliness and detect blunt, rusty instruments or loss of functional capacity, deterioration of joints and zippers, poor cutting etc., which will disqualify them for use in surgery. After washing, the instruments should be rinsed with distilled water, removing organic matter from the jaws of forceps, trocars and punches that were used until the end of surgery.

Instruments Used in Laparoscopy
  • Forceps are detachable and consist of handles, sheaths and inserts.
  • They are different types of laparoscopic scissors: hook scissors, straight and curved Metzenbaum scissors, curved and straight micro scissors.
  • Laparoscopic forceps can be dissecting and grasping forceps (which are traumatic or atraumatic) dissecting forceps; among the dissecting and grasping forceps are the Reddick-Olsen forceps or click-line forceps.
  • There are also trocars, which consist of the trocar cannula plus a trocar with a conical tip and a trocar with a pyramidal tip.
  • The Veress needle is a small needle, which is used to make punctures.
  • Finally there are the optics, which are of different degrees (there are 0,30 and 45 degrees).

Preparation of Instruments

The preparation of instruments is done by sets; for example, there are laparoscopic surgery boxes for cholecystectomy, hernia surgery or gynecology; this availability by set allows the material to be available promptly and quickly.

It is important to record in a book the incidents that occur with these instruments during the operation, as well as the type of operation and the surgeon responsible, which will allow control of the useful life of the instruments, which is related to the complexity and number of operations and to the quality of the product. An orderly record makes it possible to detect and identify a surgical team that breaks the protocols of handling and conservation of the material, depending on a specific surgery.