Tucking in Both Arms

Started by Peter Davies M.D., June 22, 2005, 01:32:49 AM

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Peter Davies M.D.

I have a rather old-fashioned surgeon who insists of both arms tucked by the patient's side during laparoscopic cholecystectomies, to facilitate his access the the patient.

Naturally, this makes access the IV sites, blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters difficult. Surgeons leaning on the BP cuff produces artefactual readings, IV's kink and can't be re-positioned and pulse oximeters fall off and cannot be replaced easily.

I have adapted to this by placing BP cuffs on the legs, pulse oximeters on toes and a second IV in a foot. However, it seems unnecesarily difficult. While I tolerate this surgeon's foibles, I think I would be on safe ground to insist at least one arm be placed out and accessible to me - it is a patient safety issue, which, in my book, over-rides a surgical convenience issue.

Would like to hear from other members if they have similar scenarios. Who is the boss in the OR?