Title: Describe mechanical surgical techniques and related safety issues.
Course: Surgical Technologist II (14056--II) > Section: Understanding Surgical Techniques

Description should include

- the concept that mechanical surgical techniques involve cutting with a sharp instrument and include the use of scalpels, saws, and scissors
- safety issues, such as the importance of avoiding lacerations, perforations, hemorrhaging, and infection.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What types of surgery require mechanical surgical techniques? Why?
- In what types of perioperative situations would a surgeon make use of scalpels? Saws? Scissors?
- During mechanical surgery, how can the surgical team prevent harm to the patient in the form of perforations? Hemorrhaging? Infection?
- During mechanical surgery, how can the surgical team prevent harm (e.g., cuts, perforations, infections) to themselves?
- What is the neutral or hands-free zone, and why is it important?