FLS Flashcards
How do the types of laparoscopes vary?
Diameter (2-10mm), length (30-45cm), and degree (0, 30, 45)
What is the Hopkins rod lens system in a laparoscope? What is its limitations?
Susceptible to rod damage with use and processing, reduced light reaches the end of the endoscope
What is an alternative method to capture an image via laparoscope besides the Hopkins rod lens system?
Have an imaging chip at the end of the scope, no light is lost as the image travels back
When is a zero-degree laparoscope preferable?
When working in a small area where you need to directly visualize the field: pelvis, high in mediastinum
When is a 30 or 45-degree scope preferable?
allows you to see more breadth of the field
Why do you need standard open instruments when performing lap surgery?
to help open and close port sites as well as possible conversion to open
How can you check a rod-lens laparoscope for damage?
hold the lens end up to the light and look at the light cord attachment site for black spots indicating damage. Look at the lens end for obvious damage. Eval for moisture between scope and camera causing blurred image
Why does the laparoscope fog?
changes in temp and humidity between room and in the body
How can you prevent a foggy image?
anti-fogging solution, allow it to dry before entering the abdomen, rinse the scope in hot water, keep scope in an insulated bottle, or keep scope in a heated bath
what do you do if the lens is smudged?
wipe on clean tissue (liver, bowel), remove scope and clean on gauze + clean the mechanical seal of the port with gauze
what is the most commonly used gas for laparoscopy and why?
CO2 - readily available, inexpensive, non-combustible
What should you have available if your gas supply comes from a tank?
An additional full tank with appropriately sized wrench attached to the insufflator + supply of new gaskets for the tanks
what is the clincial difference in using warmed and humidified CO2 for laparoscopy and when is it relevant?
significant reductions in postop pain, not significant for operations lasting less than 90 minutes
what does the insufflator do?
controls the flow of CO2 gas into the abdomen
how fast does a high-flow insufflator deliver gas? (rate)
10-15 LPM
what are the two controllable panels on the insufflator
gas flow rate and preset max pressure in the abdomen
what is displayed on the insufflator?
current abdominal pressure and amount of gas used
what is the reason a filter is attached to the gas line?
to prevent patient’s body fluids refluxing back into the insufflator, risk of transmission to the next patient
how many suction devices do you need in the room at a minimum?
3: one for anesthesia, one for NGT, and one for the operation
how can using a suction device affect pneumoperitoneum and how can this be prevented
excessive suctioning can decrease pneumoperitoneum, prevent by fully immersing the suction catheter into the liquid being suctioned
What are the four components of the video tower?
light source, camera control unit, video monitor, insufflator
what is the most common light source?
300W Xenon lamp
why should you connect the light source to the laparoscope prior to turning it on?
to avoid blinding OR staff and risk of fire if light cord contacts OR drapes
what is used to help light travel from the light source to the laparoscope? What is it made of?
A light cable made of fiberoptic elements
How do you check a light cord for damage
hold one end of the cord to light and the other to your eye to look for black dots, which indicate broken fibers
How can you capture still images / video from laparoscopic surgery for inclusion in chart / literature?
digital capture that saves images to CD, DVD, hard disk, or other removable drive. Printers can be used as well.
What is the “Picture in Picture” Effect and when is it most useful?
Allows both images from the laparoscope and additional imaging to be projected on the same screen. Useful if you need to use intraoperative Doppler, ultrasound, or endoscopy
What are the 9 preoperative precautions the circulator RN must perform prior to the patient entering the OR?
1) Assure OR TABLE is properly set up for the procedure, ensure tilt mechanism is functional, have bean bag mattress avaible if needed, have lead shielding available if fluoroscopy is planned, have foot board ready if needed. 2) check all POWER SOURCES are connected and switched on. 3) check for adequate CO2 available, extra tanks prn, and insufflator alarm is functional. 4) BOVIE: proper audio alarm function, grounding pad available. 5) VIDEO monitors operational and positioned appropriately, test pattern appears before monitor plugged in. 6) SUCTION/IRRIGATION - canister set up, irrigation bag available if needed. 7) SCDs, Foley, NGT available. 8) video documentation with CD/DVD available. 9) minimize floor clutter
What are the 8 preop precautions the circulator RN must perform after the patient enters the OR?
1) preop timeout to verify pt ID and procedure being performed. 2) assist in proper patient positioning and padding. 3) safety strap to patient. 4) after induction, apply grounding pad to patient and attach to electrocautery unit. 5) after pt prepped/draped, connect all lines from sterile field (camera cord, light source, suction/irrigation, cautery, CO2 tubing). Verify suction function/connection. 6) position foot pedals prn (U/S, cautery). 7) Apply SCDs. 8) complete checklist of Pt Prep for Surgery
What 7 preop precautions should the Scrub Tech/RN perform after the patient enters the room?
1) check fx of reusable instruments: movement of instrument handles and jaws, sealing caps for cracked rubber, instrument cleaning channel screw caps in place. 2) Check Veress needle: proper plunger/spring action, easy flushing through stopcock/needle channel. 3) if Hasson entry - check for available stay sutures and retractors. Availability of accessory trocars. 4) close all stopcocks on all ports. 5) check laparoscope for clarity / vision. 6) draw up local anesthetic and injection syringe. 7) if cholangiography anticipated, mix and dilute cholangiogram contrast solution. Evacuate cholangiography tubing, syringe, and catheter of all bubbles.
Name nine possible reasons for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum
CO2 tank empty / low volume; accessory port stopcock open; leak in sealing cap / reducer; excessive suctioning pressure; loose, disconnected, or kinked insufflation tubing; Hasson stay sutures loose; CO2 flow rate too low; valve on CO2 tank not fully open; leak at skin where port enters cavity
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 CO2 tank empty / low volume
change tank
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 accessory port stopcock open
inspect all accessory ports. Open or close stopcocks prn.
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 leak in sealing cap / reducer
change cap or stopcock cannula
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 excessive suctioning pressure
allow time to reinsufflate, lower suction
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 loose, disconnected, or kinked insufflation tubing
tighten connections or reconnect at source / port or unkink tubing
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 Hasson stay sutures loose
replace or secure sutures
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 CO2 flow rate too low
adjust flow rate
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 valve on CO2 tank not fully open
use valve wrench to open fully
What do you do for poor insufflation / loss of pneumoperitoneum 2/2 leak at skin where port enters cavity
apply penetrating towel clip or suture around port
What are five possible causes of excessive pressure required for insufflation (initial or subsequent)?
Veress needle/cannula is not in the peritoneal space; occlusion of tubing (kinking, table joints, etc.); CO2 port stopcock is turned off; patient is “light” on anesthesia; morbidly obese patient
What do you do for excessive insufflation pressure 2/2 Veress needle/cannula is not in the peritoneal space
reposition needle or cannula under visualization if possible
What do you do for excessive insufflation pressure 2/2 occlusion of tubing (kinking, table joints, etc.);
inspect full length of tubing
What do you do for excessive insufflation pressure 2/2 CO2 port stopcock is turned off
fully open stopcock
What do you do for excessive insufflation pressure 2/2 patient is “light” on anesthesia
communicate to anesthesia
What do you do for excessive insufflation pressure 2/2 morbidly obese patient
use a longer Veress needle
What are 10 possible reasons for inadequate lighting during lap surgery?
light is dim; light is on standby; loose connection at source or scope; light is on “manual-minimum”; fiber optics are damaged; automatic iris adjusting to bright reflection from instrument; monitor brightness is turned down; room brightness floods monitors; bulb is burned out; scope is dark
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 light is dim
increase gain, check scope for adequate fiberoptics, replace light cable, laparoscope and/or camera
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 light is on standby
take light off standby
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 loose connection at source or scope
adjust connection
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 light is on “manual-minimum”
go to “automatic”
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 fiber optics are damaged
replace light cable
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 automatic iris adjusting to bright reflection from instrument
reposition instruments or switch to “manual”
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 monitor brightness turned down
readjust brightness settings, adjust gain
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 room brightness floods monitors
dim room lights
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 bulb is burned out
replace bulb
What should you do for inadequate lighting during lap surgery 2/2 scope is dark
check white balance
What are three reasons you could have a poor quality picture with lap surgery?
flickering electrical interference / poor cable shielding; color problems; glare not caused by lighting
What should you do for poor quality picture 2/2 flickering electrical interference / poor cable shielding
replace cautery cables, switch camera head, make sure cables don’t cross, use different plug points
What should you do for poor quality picture 2/2 color problems
white balance camera, check chrome on monitor, check printer/VCR/digital capture cables
What should you do for poor quality picture 2/2 glare not caused by lighting
check for loose cables not plugged in
What are two reasons lighting could be too bright during lap surgery?
light is on “manual - maximum”; monitor brightness is turned up
What should you do if lighting is too bright 2/2 light is on “manual - maximum”
“Boost” on light source is activated - go to “automatic and deactivate “boost”
What should you do if lighting is too bright 2/2 monitor brightness is turned up
readjust setting
What are five reasons there is no picture on the monitor during lap surgery?
camera control / other components (VCR, printer, light source, monitor) are not turned “on”; cable connector between camera control unit and/or monitors are not attached properly; cables between monitors are not connected; input select button on monitor doesn’t match “video in” choice; input selection button on monitor or video peripherals (VCR/digital capture/printer) are not selected
What should you do if there is no picture on the monitor 2/2 camera control / other components (VCR, printer, light source, monitor) are not turned “on”
make sure all power sources are plugged in and turned on
What should you do if there is no picture on the monitor 2/2 cable connector between camera control unit and/or monitors are not attached properly
cable should run from “video out” on camera control unit to “video in” on primary monitor. Use compatible cables for camera in and light source.
What should you do if there is no picture on the monitor 2/2 ables between monitors are not connected
cable should run from “video out” on primary monitor to “video in” on secondary monitor
What should you do if there is no picture on the monitor 2/2 input select button on monitor doesn’t match “video in” choice
assure matching selection
What should you do if there is no picture on the monitor 2/2 input selection button on monitor or video peripherals (VCR/digital capture/printer) are not selected
adjust input selection
What are two reasons that you could have poor quality picture with fogging/haze?
condensation on lens from cold scope entering warm abdomen; condensation on scope eyepiece / camera lens
What should you do with poor quality picture with fogging/haze 2/2 condensation on lens from cold scope entering warm abdomen
use anti-fog solution or hot water, wipe lens externally
What should you do with poor quality picture with fogging/haze 2/2 condensation on scope eyepiece / camera lens
detach camera from scope (or camera from coupler); inspect and clean lens as needed
what are three reasons you could have poor quality picture with flickering / electrical interference
moisture in camera cable connecting plug; poor cable shielding; insecure connection of video cable between monitors
what should you do with poor quality picture with flickering / electrical interference 2/2 moisture in camera cable connecting plug
use suction or compressed air to dry out moisture (don’t use cotton tip applicators on multi-pronged plug)
what should you do with poor quality picture with flickering / electrical interference 2/2 poor cable shielding
move electrosurgical unit to different circuit or away from video equipment, make sure cables do not cross, switch camera head; replace cables as necessary
what should you do with poor quality picture with flickering / electrical interference 2/2 insecure connection of video cable between monitors
reattach video cable at each monitor
What are three reasons for poor quality picture with blurring / distortion?
incorrect focus, cracked lens/internal moisture, too grainy
What should you do for poor quality picture with blurring / distortion 2/2 incorrect focus
adjust camera focus ring
What should you do for poor quality picture with blurring / distortion 2/2 cracked lens / internal moisture
inspect scope / camera, replace if needed
What should you do for poor quality picture with blurring / distortion 2/2 too grainy
adjust enhancement and/or grain setting for units with this option
What are four reasons for inadequate suction / irrigation?
occlusion of tubing (kinking, blood clot, etc.); occlusion of valves in suction / irrigator device; not attached to wall suction; irrigation fluid container not pressurized
What should you do for inadequate suction / irrigation 2/2 occlusion of tubing (kinking, blood clot, etc.)
inspect full length of tubing. Detach from instrument and flush with sterile saline prn.
What should you do for inadequate suction / irrigation 2/2 occlusion of valves in suction / irrigator device
detach tubing, flush device with sterile saline
What should you do for inadequate suction / irrigation 2/2 not attached to wall suction
inspect and secure suction & wall source connector
What should you do for inadequate suction / irrigation 2/2 irrigation fluid container not pressurized
inspect pressure bag / compressed gas source, connector, pressure dial setting
What are six reasons for absent or “weak” cauterization
patient not grounded properly; connection between electro-surgical units and instrument loose; foot pedal or hand switch not connected to electrosurgical unit; wrong output selected; connected to wrong socket on electrosurgical unit; instrument insulation failure outside of surgeons view
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 patient not grounded properly
assure adequate grounding pad contact
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 connection between electro-surgical units and instrument loose
inspect both connecting points
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 foot pedal or hand switch not connected to electrosurgical unit
make connection
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 wrong output selected
correct output choice
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 connected to wrong socket on electrosurgical unit
check that cable is attached to endoscopic socket
What should you do for absent / weak cauterization 2/2 instrument insulation failure outside of surgeons view
use new instrument and inspect insulation
what does a low pressure and high flow rate on the insufflator indicate?
leak in the insufflation circuit
what should you suspect if the foley bag begins to inflate?
insufflation of bladder
what should you suspect if you have a small working space and dilation of bowel?
insufflation of bowel
what should you do if there is a loss of working space and no flow on the insufflator?
make sure the power is on and the insufflator is not in standby mode
what are the two choices of delivery of electrocautery to the patients?
monopolar or bipolar instruments
how does the monopolar current flow?
from the wall source, through the instrument, grounded by the patient
what two processes occur to tissue to allow electrocautery to assist with hemostasis
protein coagulation and tissue dessication. You get fibrous binding of dehydrated and denatured cells and vessel endothelium
Define current density. What is it directly and indirectly proportional to?
the amount of current flowing through a cross-sectional area of tissue. directly proportional to applied power (amps), inversely proportional to tissue resistance and area of tissue through which the current must travel (cm2)
where should the grounding pad NOT be placed on the patient?
should not be bent or placed on hairy skin, bony prominences, or scars b/c they decrease contact surface area and = increased current density and increased risk of burns
what are the three modes of monopolar electrocautery?
cut, coag, or blended
what is the goal of cutting mode and how does it work?
quickly heat tissue, vaporize, cause cells to explode. heat is dissipated in the steam, causing minimal lateral thermal tissue damage and poor thermal coagulation
what is the goal of coagulation mode and how does it work?
rapid surface heating with superficial eschar formation and shallow depth of necrosis, this process is aka fulguration. This is seen with an intermittent, high-voltage waveform, minimal cutting, relies on sparking between electrode and tissue
What does the blend mode accomplish
blends the cutting and coag modes to allow the surgeon to adjust for desired tissue effects
What is “current diversion”?
Current, following the path of least resistance, current passes through unintentional tissue. Relevant to laparoscopic surgery b/c the entire field is not always in the surgeons view.
name eight precautions you can take to minimize risk of electrosurgical injury during lap surgery
1) inspect insulation carefully; 2) use lowest possible power setting; 3) use lowest voltage waveform possible; 4) use brief intermittent activation rather than prolonged activation; 5) do not activate unless in proximity to target tissue; 6) do not activate in close proximity or direct contact with another instrument; 7) use bipolar instrumentation when appropriate; 8) do not use hybrid laparoscopic ports that mix metal with plastic
What is “Capacitive Coupling”?
transfer of current from active electrode through its insulation through passive electrode. There must be two conductors separated by an insulator for this to occur and may result in burns from the passive electrode.
What happens with capacitive coupling if the passive electrode is in constant contact with adjacent tissue
no burns because this allows the passive electrode to release charge through the tissue to the ground without holding onto/building up the charge
How can Capacitive Coupling occur with another laparoscopic instrument?
When the electrocautery instrument comes into contact with another insulated instrument. Particularly dangerous if the second instrument is not in constant contact with tissue, allows the instrument to store energy –> means that it will discharge next time it touches tissue –> tissue injury
What is Direct Coupling and how can it result in tissue injury?
when electrocautery touches metallic portion of another instrument, charge goes down through instrument to any tissue its touching. With laparoscopes in particular, can result in damage to tissue outside the field of view.
What is a Narrow Return Circuit and how can it result in tissue injury?
if monopolar electrocautery applied to ligated tissue, the current will pass through the smaller ligated area with increased current density –> may result in delayed tissue blowout
How does bipolar cautery differ from monopolar in terms of current flow, patient prep, and danger to surrounding tissues?
Bipolar has the current flow between the two electrodes in the field, so only the tissue in between has electric flow through it. No need for grounding pad and reduced risk of damage to surrounding tissue (lower energy requirement, less risk of coupling).
Name three potential hazards of bipolar tissue sealing devices
inadvertant thermal injury; inadvertant cutting off patent vessels before adequate sealing; improper device function if metal is contained within the jaws (ie clips or surgical staples)
what type of energy does ultrasonic coagulation rely on to produce its effects?
mechanical energy –> heating through high frequency ultrasonic vibration
how does sealing occur with ultrasonic coagulation in terms of tissue in between the jaws of the instrument?
when the tissue is in between the vibrating and heated metallic jaw (active blade) and the passive plastic jaw (acts as a backstop to hold tissue against the active blade
what is the most common use of the ultrasonic coagulation
ultrasonic shears
what is the danger of injury to surrounding tissue with ultrasonic coagulation with shears and what can you do to prevent injury?
the passive jaw does not transfer energy but the unprotected active jaw will transfer energy so you need to be sure its not touching other tissue. Be aware of the contact points, grab the target tissue and elevate it, and keep the active blade upward.
What is the frequency of oscillation of the ultrasonic coagulation?
50,000 Hz (x/second)
What are the effects of different power settings with ultrasonic coagulation?
lower power settings: hemostasis. Higher power settings: cutting
what should you consider with patient positioning if they will require X-rays during surgery?
make sure you can fit the C-arm or plate under the patient during surgery
where should monitors be placed during surgery and why?
at or below eye level to reduce strain
where should the insufflator be placed during surgery and why?
in a location where surgeon and assistants can view it during the procedure
where should the surgeon stand and what should their hand/arm/shoulder position be?
opposite to the operative field, shoulders within 30 degrees of body, forearm at 60 to 120 degrees, wrist slightly pronated, thumbs up
what are six important aspects of medical history to obtain preop?
1) prior abdominal / pelvic surgery; 2) prior abdominal radiation - including site; 3) hip prosthesis/other prosthetic device (affects positioning); 4) pulmonary / cardiac disease; 5) previous DVT / coagulation disorders; 6) anesthetic complications from prior surgeries
what patient home medications are important to know about preop
steroids, immunosuppressants, pulm/cardiac meds, anticoagulation (hold coumadin 3 days prior), NSAIDS (don’t need to hold)
what pt allergies are important to know about preop
meds (local anesthetics), skin prep (betadine)
define ASA class I
no organic, physiologic, biochemical, or psychiatric disturbance
define ASA class II
mild to moderate systemic disease, due either to surgical condition or to a concomitant disease
define ASA class III
severe systemic disease that limits the patients activity and may / may not be related to the reason for surgery
define ASA class IV
severe systemic disturbances that markedly limit the patient and are life threatening with or without surgery
define ASA class V
moribund patient who has little chance for survival but is submitted to surgery as last resort (resuscitative effort)
which ASA classes cannot tolerate lap surgery and why?
ASA IV and V cannot usually tolerate the decreased venous return, decreased diaphragmatic excursion, and hyperventilation a/w pneumoperitoneum
Name four absolute contraindications to lap surgery
inability to tolerate laparotomy, hypovolemic shock, lack of proper surgeon training/experience, lack of appropriate institutional support
name five relative contraindications to lap surgery
inability to tolerate general anesthesia, long-standing peritonitis, large abdominal / pelvic mass, massive incarcerated ventral / inguinal hernias, severe cardiopulmonary disease
What preop precautions should you take for visceral arterial aneurysm?
increased risk of injury with trocar insertion
What preop precautions should you take for previous abdominal surgery?
pt may have extensive adhesions, increased risk of enterotomy, do not insert Veress needle to close to previous scar
What preop precautions should you take for history of peritonitis?
higher risk of extensive adhesions and increased risk of enterotomy
What preop precautions should you take for umbilical abnormalities? (mass, existing hernia, or history of previous umbilical hernia / ventral hernia repair)
difficulty gaining access intraabdominally or closing fascia. Avoid blind techniques near umbilicus to gain access to abdomen
What preop precautions should you take for previous ventral hernia repair with mesh? Why is this particularly important for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair?
Risk of injury with trocar insertion, extensive adhesions, difficulty closing abdominal wall, risk of infection. If previous lap ventral hernia repair with mesh, you may not be able to see the scars. You should never attempt entering the abdomen through previous mesh.
What preop precautions should you take for pts with hepatosplenomegaly?
increased risk of solid organ injury or poor exposure
What preop precautions should you take for pts with cirrhosis?
increased risk of ascites leak and bleeding. Should attempt to medically control ascites prior to elective lap surgeries.