Surgical Assisting
Minor-procedure setup, aseptic technique, instruments, and assisting the surgeon in clinic and OR.
Sterile Technique and the Minor Room
Aseptic principles — sterile touches only sterile; the field stays in view; anything below the waist, behind the back, or crossed by an unsterile arm is contaminated. When in doubt, it's contaminated — say so and re-prep.
Skin prep — dilute povidone-iodine is the ophthalmic standard (and lowers endophthalmitis risk); chlorhexidine and alcohol stay away from the ocular surface.
Common minor procedures — chalazion incision and curettage, lid lesion excision, laceration repair, intravitreal injection assist. The assistant preps and drapes, passes instruments, manages the light, and reassures the patient.
Know the tray — lid speculum, chalazion clamp, curette, Westcott scissors, Castroviejo needle holder, toothed vs smooth forceps. Count sharps before and after; document lot numbers and implants per protocol.