Surgical Technologist

Instruments & Sutures Used in Appendectomy
(General Surgery – Appendicitis)
Successful appendectomy depends on proper instrument setup and correct suture selection.
🔹 Basic Instruments:
✔️ Scalpel Handle No. 3 with Blade No. 10/15 – Skin incision
✔️ Mayo Scissors – Cutting fascia & tissues
✔️ Metzenbaum Scissors – Delicate tissue dissection
✔️ Artery Forceps (Straight & Curved) – Hemostasis
✔️ Kocher Forceps – Holding tough tissues
✔️ Allis Forceps – Grasping appendix
✔️ Babcock Forceps – Holding bowel gently
✔️ Needle Holder – Suturing
✔️ Tissue Forceps (Toothed & Non-toothed)
✔️ Retractors (Langenbeck / Richardson) – Exposure
✔️ Suction Tip – Fluid removal
🔹 Laparoscopic Instruments (if Lap Appendectomy):
✔️ Trocars (10mm / 5mm)
✔️ Laparoscopic Grasper
✔️ Maryland Dissector
✔️ Endoscopic Scissors
✔️ Endoloop / Clip Applicator
🧵 Sutures Used in Appendectomy:
✔️ Vicryl 2/0 or 3/0 – Ligating appendix base
✔️ Silk 2/0 – Ligation
✔️ Chromic Catgut – Tissue closure (in some setups)
✔️ Vicryl 1 or 0 – Muscle/Fascia closure
✔️ Prolene / Nylon 2/0 or 3/0 – Skin closure
🔵 Role of Surgical Technologist:
• Prepare complete appendectomy set
• Check suture material before incision
• Maintain sterile field
• Anticipate surgeon’s needs
• Count instruments, needles & sponges
💙 Right Instrument. Right Suture. Right Timing.

Procedure: Appendicitis (Appendectomy)
Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. It can be performed as:
✔️ Open Appendectomy
✔️ Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Early surgical intervention prevents complications like perforation or peritonitis.
👨‍⚕️ Surgical Team for Appendicitis
🔹 1. General Surgeon
• Leads the procedure
• Performs removal of the appendix
• Ensures hemostasis and safe closure
🔹 2. Assistant Surgeon
• Assists in exposure and retraction
• Supports suction and instrument handling
🔹 3. Anesthesiologist / Anesthesia Technician
• Administers anesthesia
• Monitors vitals (BP, Pulse, Oxygen, ECG)
• Ensures patient safety throughout surgery
🔹 4. Surgical Technologist (Scrub Tech)
• Prepares and arranges sterile instruments
• Maintains sterile field
• Anticipates surgeon’s needs
• Passes instruments precisely and efficiently
🔹 5. Circulating Nurse
• Manages non-sterile environment
• Provides additional supplies
• Documents procedure details
🔵 Behind every successful appendectomy, there is teamwork, coordination, and precision.
💙 Prepared. Sterile. Focused.

🧼 Basic Sterile Principles (VERY IMPORTANT)

> Never touch non-sterile items
> Keep hands above waist level
> Sterile touches sterile only
> If in doubt → consider it contaminated

**What is a Surgical Technologist?**
A Surgical Technologist (ST)—also called Scrub Tech or Operating Room Technician—is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses during surgery by maintaining a sterile field and handling surgical instruments.

📌 Core Responsibilities (Basics)
1️⃣ Pre-Operative Duties (Before Surgery)
Prepare the operation theater (OT)
Sterilize and arrange surgical instruments
Set up sterile drapes, gowns, and gloves
Check equipment & supplies
Help in patient positioning
2️⃣ Intra-Operative Duties (During Surgery)
Maintain aseptic technique
Pass instruments to the surgeon
Handle sutures, sponges, needles
Anticipate surgeon’s needs
Count sponges, needles, instruments
Assist in retraction and suction
3️⃣ Post-Operative Duties (After Surgery)
Final count of instruments and sponges
Dispose of sharps safely
Clean and prepare OT for next case
Send specimens to lab
Help in patient transfer