Surgery & Anesthesia: Animal Health Study Notes

Asepsis

The set of practices used to prevent contamination by microorganisms during surgical procedures.

Sterile technique

Keeping the surgical field and instruments free of living microbes.

Surgical site infection (SSI)

An infection that occurs at the site of a surgical incision.

Cleaning

The physical removal of visible debris and many microbes, but not necessarily killing all microbes.

Disinfection

The killing of many pathogens on inanimate surfaces, but not necessarily all spores.

Sterilization

The process of killing all forms of microbial life, including spores.

Traffic control in OR

Limiting movement and openings in the operating room to reduce contamination.

Surgical hand scrub

A procedure to drastically reduce bacteria on the surgeon's hands before surgery.

Draping

The placement of sterile drapes around the surgical area to isolate the surgical site.

Pre-surgical assessment

A process that includes evaluating signalment, history, medication, and performing a physical exam prior to surgery.

Aspiration

The inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia.

Antiseptic skin prep

Application of antiseptics to the surgical site to reduce microbes before incision.

IV catheter

Intravenous access point for administering anesthesia, fluids, and medications during surgery.

Multimodal analgesia

The use of multiple drug classes to control pain effectively with fewer side effects.

Needle holder

A tool used to hold the needle when suturing, available in various types like Mayo-Hegar and Olsen-Hegar.

Propofol

A short-acting injectable anesthetic used for induction during surgery.

Opioids

Strong analgesics used to control pain during surgery and minimize anesthetic requirements.

Anticholinergics

Drugs used to block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, often to prevent bradycardia.

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists

Sedatives that also provide analgesia but can reduce cardiac output.

Tranquilizers (e.g., acepromazine)

Sedatives that reduce anxiety but provide minimal analgesia.

Lidocaine

A local anesthetic used for providing pain relief when applied locally.

Hemostats (e.g., mosquito hemostats)

Instruments used to control bleeding by clamping blood vessels.

Sterilization methods

Processes such as steam sterilization (autoclaving), gas sterilization, and cold sterilants used to achieve sterility.

Wound care

Post-operative management of incisions to prevent infection and promote healing.

Surgical instruments

Tools used in surgery, each designed for specific functions like cutting, grasping, or suturing.