Bowel Technique in Surgical Technology

Vocabulary practice cards covering the foundations, protocols, and intraoperative responsibilities of bowel technique in surgical technology.

Bowel Technique

The confinement and containment of instruments and supplies that contact the inside of the bowel, which is contaminated with fecal bacteria.

Alimentary Canal

The structure where controlled entry or removal is performed, requiring the employment of bowel technique to ensure asepsis.

Clean Field

The classification of instruments and supplies that remain untouched by gastrointestinal contents before the opening of the bowel.

Contaminated Field

The status of the surgical area once the bowel is opened, including any item contacting bowel tissue or contents.

Separate Mayo Stand

A dedicated stand used for instruments and supplies specifically involved in the resection and anastomosis of the bowel.

Dirty Instruments

Items such as needle holders, forceps, suture needles, scissors, knife handles, and stapling devices used during the resection and anastomosis.

Stoma Creation

A surgical step that is performed during the dirty part of the procedure if it is part of the bowel surgery.

Completion of Bowel Technique

The point at which resection and anastomosis are finished and the bowel has been checked for leaks.

Biohazard Trash Bag

The container where the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) places contaminated disposable items after the dirty portion of the procedure.

Surgical Conscience

The ethical responsibility of surgical team members to protect patients by speaking up about contamination, even if it disrupts workflow.

Clean-Contaminated Wound

The wound classification assigned when there is controlled entry into the bowel without significant spillage.

Anastomotic Failure

A potential postoperative complication that proper bowel technique helps to prevent along with surgical site infections and sepsis.

Maturation of the Stoma

The process that occurs after the abdominal wound is closed and dressed, followed by the application of the ostomy collection device.

Surgical Counts

The process of accounting for sponges, sharps, and instruments, which may require separate tallies for clean and contaminated fields.