Surgical Tech

DUTIES

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. Before an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They also prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, and positioning the patients on the operating table. Surgical technologists prepare sterile solutions and medications used in surgery and check that all surgical equipment is working properly. Lastly, they help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.

• Prepare operating rooms for surgery.
• Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery.
• Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites.
• Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
• Count supplies, such as sponges and instruments.
• Maintain a sterile environment.

Surgical technologists wear scrubs (special sterile clothing) while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

During an operation, surgical technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They also hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis. Once the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also help transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure. Surgical first assistants have a hands-on role, directly assisting surgeons during a procedure. For instance, they may help to suction the incision site or suture a wound.

EDUCATION

Surgical technologists typically need postsecondary education. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, have accredited programs in surgical technology. Programs range in length from several months to 2 years, and they grant a diploma or associate's degree upon completion. There are about 500 surgical technologist programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Surgical technology education includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and other topics. Surgical technologists are trained in the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, how to set up technical or robotic equipment, and preventing and controlling infections. In addition to classroom study, students also work in supervised clinical settings to gain hands-on experience. Surgical first assistants may complete a formal education program in surgical assisting. Others may work as surgical technologists and receive additional on-the-job training before becoming first assistants.

CERTIFICATION

Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting allows the use of the title Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Certification typically requires completing an accredited formal education program or military training program and passing an exam. Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing allows the use of the title Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C (NCCT). Applicants may qualify through formal education, military training, or work experience. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam.

Most surgical technologists work full time. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 12 percent to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. For example, an individual may decide to have a knee replacement operation in order to maintain an active lifestyle or to have cataracts removed to improve vision.

SURGERY VIDEOS

Please take note that surgical procedures take years of study to perform, and that the material on these links may be graphic and unsettling to some people. Do not click unless you wish to see videos of actual surgery.

• After Surgery
• Anesthesia
• Angioplasty
• Artificial Limbs
• Assistive Devices
• Breast Reconstruction
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Critical Care
• Endoscopy
• Heart Surgery
• Hip Replacement
• Hysterectomy
• Knee Replacement
• Laser Eye Surgery
• Mastectomy
• Ostomy
• Oxygen Therapy
• Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Radiation Therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Surgery
• Weight Loss Surgery

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Animation

Surgical Instrument Set

Cataract Surgery Animation

Dental Surgery Animation

Radiosurgery - Minimally Invasive Surgery

CyberKnife radiosurgery is a robotic surgery device that uses a linear accelerator mounted on a computer-controlled robotic arm to treat tumors throughout the body that are often unreachable by conventional surgery or other stereotactic methods. CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a painless, non-invasive radiation treatment that can be used as an alternative to open surgery in certain cases. The CyberKnife uses image-guided robotics to destroy tumors and other lesions with multiple beams of high-energy radiation. The cumulative effect of all the beams at the target results in the lesion receiving a very high dose of radiation while nearby normal tissue is preserved. Cyberknife radiosurgery is sufficiently precise to match the shape of small, complex tumors located in critical structures. This precision allows the CyberKnife to treat lesions that otherwise would be considered inoperable.

The CyberKnife System, designed by Accuray, combines two advanced technologies to deliver a revoluntionary, frameless radiosurgery. The first innovation is a lightweight linear accelerator mounted on a multi-jointed robotic arm. This flexible robotic arm provides access to unreachable tumors and helps reduce harm to critical structures surrounding the lesion such as vital organs and tissues. The second innovation is an image guidance system. This can compensate for patient movement, and allow radiation to be delivered without using rigid immobilization, such as a head frame.