Whether the patient is completely anesthetized or only numbed, they should be instructed not to drink or eat prior to the procedure to minimize their need to use the restroom. Likewise, the patient should be instructed about the sterility of the environment and should be encouraged to use the restroom prior to being brought into the operatory.
Once the patient is draped if they should need to leave the operatory during the procedure, sterility will have been broken and they will need to be draped with fresh drapes.
If the patient is not being anesthetized, to minimize the risk of breaking the sterility of the operatory, it is better to numb the patient in another room if one is available.
Prior to being brought into the operatory, the patient should be instructed to brush their lips, teeth and gums with an antiseptic such as Peridex.
If the patient is being anesthetized, the following precautions should be observed:
The anesthesiologist should wear a mask, head cover and shoe covers.
The patient's arm with the blood pressure cuff should be secured to ensure they do not reach out and contaminate the sterile field.
Once the patient is brought into the operatory, the circulator should do the following:
Remind the patient not to reach out after they've been draped.
Cover the patient's head and shoes.
Attach a pulse oxymeter to the patient and if necessary, a nasal candula being careful not to touch any sterile surfaces.
Perform an inter-oral scrub with Peridex. (Betadyne may cause allergic reactions in some people.)
The sterile assistant will continue the preparation of the patient as follows:
Use a sterile hemostat clamped on a 2x2 piece of gauze dipped in Peridex to scrub the patient's mouth from their chin to their nose. Begin by making small circles growing to large circles. Be careful not to go over the same area twice.
Drape the patient's eyes. Most patients are more comfortable if they can't see the procedure.
Next drape the patient's chin. Each doctor may have a different preference as to the type of drape.
Stradis Healthcare can customize the pack to include your doctor's preference.
