Describe mechanical surgical techniques and related safety issues.

Description should include

• the concept that mechanical surgical techniques involve cutting with a sharp instrument and include the use of scalpels, saws, and scissors
• safety issues, such as the importance of avoiding lacerations, perforations, hemorrhaging, and infection.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What types of surgery require mechanical surgical techniques? Why?
• In what types of perioperative situations would a surgeon make use of scalpels? Saws? Scissors?
• During mechanical surgery, how can the surgical team prevent harm to the patient in the form of perforations? Hemorrhaging? Infection?
• During mechanical surgery, how can the surgical team prevent harm (e.g., cuts, perforations, infections) to themselves?
• What is the neutral or hands-free zone, and why is it important?