The operation

The operation begins when the surgeon makes an incision or cut.Control of bleeding is very important. A swab is a pad of cotton or other material used to soak up blood from the operation site. Aspirator is a mechanical device which aspirates- sucks up - blood. Bleeding vessels are tied with ligaturesor sealed by an electric current (diathermy).

Drainsmay be inserted to carry away fluid which might act as a culture medium for bacteria. Various methods are used to close the wound, for examplesutures (also known as stitches), or staples. Finally, the wound is covered with a dressing.

Exercises:

1. Which of the instruments in В is for each of the following procedures?

1 making an incision

2 keeping the sides of the wound open

3 cutting sutures

4 holding the cut ends of blood vessels before they are tied

2. A surgeon is talking to a medical student about assisting at operations. Complete his advice.

An (1)……………must be able to carry out the following tasks to help the surgeon. Firstly, he or she must help in (2)……………the patient and putting the (3)……………in place to provide (4)……………conditions. Expert handling of a (5)…………..is essential to allow the surgeon to see what he is doing.

The assistant must also keep the operation site free of blood, by careful use of the

(6)……………or (7)……………The surgeon also needs assistance with tying and cutting (8)………….., and with the insertion of a (9)……………, if necessary. Finally, the assistant may be asked to close the wound with (10)……………or other devices.

Unit 17 Therapies