Medical Assistants Role In Surgical Procedures

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Surgical procedures are not only performed in hospitals. They are also quite common in primary care or specialty offices as outpatient appointments. A surgical procedure can be defined as treatment performed by a physician to repair or remove damaged or diseased parts (Merriam-Webster). Medical assistants additionally play a key role in this process. A frenotomy is a simple in office procedure. This is usually performed at a primary care or pediatric clinic. Frenotomies are conducted when the thin tissue that connects the tongue to the gum or floor of mouth is too short or tight. This condition is called anklyoglossia, or can be referred to as tongue-tied. Anklyoglossia is present at time of birth. This restricts the tongue's range of motion. When this occurs, it can lead to painful breastfeeding for …show more content…
This means eliminating the spread of microorganisms through the practice, which is accomplished by reducing any disease causing ones. Use of an antiseptic is needed for this to happen. Washing hands, putting on gloves, a gown, and wearing a mask and shoe covers will be done additionally to prevent the chain of infection. A sterile field will then be the next step in preparing for the frenotomy. This is laid out on a tray, ideally above waist level and with wheels. The tools needed to be next placed would be a metal tongue depressor, sterile gauze, examining light, and surgical scissors. If the child is old enough, they will sit on the table with a dressing laid on it, otherwise the child will need to be supported. As the medical assistant, you will not only be responsible for setting everything up, but to aid the physician during the procedure by handing them the tools needed, and anything else they might need. The actual procedure for a frenotomy is fairly short. The physician will press up the tongue with a metal tongue depressor, and can use a light to see better. This will