Surgical Assistant how-to
How to Provide Surgical Exposure
Good exposure helps surgeons work safely.
Quick answer
Good exposure helps surgeons work safely. In short: understand; place; keep, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Understand the procedure.
Place retractors correctly.
Keep steady tension.
Adjust as the surgeon moves.
Suction to keep the field clear.
Protect surrounding tissue.
Safety reminders for surgical assistants
- Follow sterile technique
- Use sharps safety
- Pad pressure points
- Participate in counts and time-outs
Key terms
Exposure · Retraction · Hemostasis · Cautery · Suture · Sterile field: see the full surgical assistant glossary.