MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Surgeons have many responsibilities that are directly correlated to each and every surgery they perform. This includes pre-surgery, during surgery and post-surgery care. Even though surgeons spend a large chunk of time in meetings and around the hospital, their most critical duty is to be fulfilled in the operating room.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pre-Surgery Care: A surgical assistance team has primary responsibilities to ensure a sterilized and safe operating room prior to a surgery. However, the surgeon ultimately needs to ensure everything is in order before starting surgery. In addition to scrubbing, the surgeon also typically looks over the room to see that all necessary equipment and tools are in place. Depending on the nature of the surgery and whether the patient is conscious, the surgeon may also provide last minute advice, information and comfort to the patient.
- During a procedure: the surgeon carries out the steps outlined with the patient in pre-surgery appointments. Specific actions vary based on the type of surgery, but the surgeon typically uses standard equipment and tools to perform operations. These include scalpels, laser technology, scissors and clamps. The surgeon also relies on her team to assist during the procedure. In this role, she communicates her equipment and tool needs as well as adjustments to oxygen and IV levels throughout the procedure. In addition, the surgeon is responsible for quickly identifying problems and working to correct them during the procedure.
- Postoperative Care: After the surgical procedure is complete, the surgeon enters into postoperative care. This step includes removing any bandages, pads or materials used during the procedure that don't belong on the patient. The surgeon also directs staff on any postoperative transportation and care requirements and communication with family. Often, hospitals have runners that go back-and-forth between operating rooms and family waiting areas to relay information about the progress of the surgery.
GENERAL DUTY
The surgeon and the patient must have a good relationship to avoid miscommunication and carry out an overall successful procedure. Surgery will only be executed if the patient legally agrees to the procedure as well as fully understand the consequences that may be associated with it. The surgeon’s first job when meeting patients is to examine them and determine whether or not they need surgery and what procedure should be performed. They collect and analyze patients’ medical histories to get information about their allergies to medications, general physical health, and any hereditary conditions. They also order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, MRI’s, EKG’s etc. depending on the speciality of the surgeon and what is required based on the patients condition.
If an operation is required, surgeons plan the best way to perform the surgery. Sometimes, the use of computers and other technology is beneficial to plan complex surgeries. For example, before a spinal surgery, the surgeon may configure a 3-dimensional figure of the patient’s spine using 3-dimensional software to better plan the procedure. By exploring the image on the screen, the surgeon can better plan the surgery and avoid probably complications during the surgical procedure.
In the operating room, surgeons check to make sure that the required instruments are sterile and everything is in place. They consult with Anesthesiologists and direct the activities of nurses, residents, and other members of the surgical team during the procedure.
Depending on the type of surgery being performed, a large part of a surgeon’s job may involve working with technology. For example, surgeons who perform laparoscopic surgery do not make long incisions on the patient’s body. Instead, a tiny camera is inserted through the incision and delicate surgical instruments are maneuvered into the patient’s body. The camera allows the operation to be performed through the use of a monitor that is connected to the camera.
After surgery, surgeons ensure their patients are well taken care of, checking on their progress and prescribing post-operative treatments and medications to help them recover quickly and comfortably.
If an operation is required, surgeons plan the best way to perform the surgery. Sometimes, the use of computers and other technology is beneficial to plan complex surgeries. For example, before a spinal surgery, the surgeon may configure a 3-dimensional figure of the patient’s spine using 3-dimensional software to better plan the procedure. By exploring the image on the screen, the surgeon can better plan the surgery and avoid probably complications during the surgical procedure.
In the operating room, surgeons check to make sure that the required instruments are sterile and everything is in place. They consult with Anesthesiologists and direct the activities of nurses, residents, and other members of the surgical team during the procedure.
Depending on the type of surgery being performed, a large part of a surgeon’s job may involve working with technology. For example, surgeons who perform laparoscopic surgery do not make long incisions on the patient’s body. Instead, a tiny camera is inserted through the incision and delicate surgical instruments are maneuvered into the patient’s body. The camera allows the operation to be performed through the use of a monitor that is connected to the camera.
After surgery, surgeons ensure their patients are well taken care of, checking on their progress and prescribing post-operative treatments and medications to help them recover quickly and comfortably.