Unit 1560: Basic Surgical Skills

1. Introduction to Basic Surgical Skills

• Overview of fundamental surgical skills
• Aseptic techniques: principles and application
• Proper gowning and gloving procedures
• Maintaining and monitoring a sterile field

2. Surgical Instrumentation

• Classification of surgical instruments
• Common instruments: names, functions, and uses
  • Scalpels, forceps, scissors, retractors, clamps
• Proper handling and passing techniques
• Instrument care and maintenance

3. Wound Care and Closure Techniques

• Types of wounds: incisions, lacerations, punctures, abrasions
• Wound healing process: stages and factors affecting healing
• Basic wound closure methods:
  • Suturing: types of sutures and techniques
  • Stapling
  • Wound dressing: types and application

4. Surgical Knot Tying

• Importance of secure knot tying
• Types of surgical knots:
  • Instrument tie
  • One-handed tie
  • Two-handed tie
• Step-by-step knot tying procedures
• Practice exercises and troubleshooting common errors

5. Hemostasis Techniques

• Definition and significance of hemostasis
• Physical methods:
  • Clamping vessels
  • Ligating vessels
• Use of hemostatic agents
• Monitoring and managing bleeding during procedures

6. Sterilization and Infection Control

• Importance of sterilization in surgery
• Sterilization methods:
  • Autoclaving
  • Chemical sterilization
  • Gas sterilization
• Infection control protocols:
  • Hand hygiene
  • Environmental cleaning
  • Surgical site infection prevention

7. Basic Surgical Procedures

• Common basic procedures:
  • Wound debridement
  • Abscess drainage
  • Minor excisions
• Stepwise approach to procedures
• Patient safety considerations

8. Surgical Site Preparation

• Patient positioning for surgery
• Skin preparation and antiseptic application
• Draping techniques
• Marking the incision site

9. Wound Assessment and Documentation

• Importance of accurate wound assessment
• Parameters to assess: size, depth, exudate, infection signs
• Documentation standards and legal considerations
• Post-operative care instructions

10. Team Communication and Collaboration in Surgery

• Roles within the surgical team
• Principles of effective communication
• Strategies for teamwork and coordination
• Managing conflicts and ensuring patient safety