Surgical smoke: is it safe?

Surgical smoke is now recognised as a hazard that is encountered in all operating theatres. Unfortunately, the dangers and health risks associated with it continue to be overlooked by many surgeons, nurses and theatre staff. It is important to be aware of the dangers of surgical smoke and for everyone to help minimise the risks.
Length of study:  60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity

Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity is rare but when it does occur its onset may be sudden and life-threatening so it is prudent to spend time preventing rather than treating it. All theatre staff should be aware of the doses limits of local anaesthetics they use as well as the causes, signs and treatment of LAST.
Length of Study: 50 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome

Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a potentially fatal complication of orthopaedic surgery.
The ability to predict, recognise, and manage BCIS is important for everyone working in the perioperative environment.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Patient positioning during anaesthesia

Different patient positions are required to provide access for different surgical procedures. Each position has implications for ventilation and haemodynamics, as well as exposing patients to possible complications such as nerve injury and pressure sores.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Surgical treatment of burns

This module covers the comprehensive assessment of burns, the steps and considerations involved in surgically treating these injuries.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty:Easy

Medical lasers – the basic principles

With medical lasers becoming more common within the operating theatre and this module gives an insight into the science behind them and the potential hazards of using them.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Difficult

Perioperative Cell Salvage: an introduction

This module discusses basics of perioperative cell salvage or call saver. Its principles, indications, contra-indications and the various types of system available.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Easy

Sutures & Needles a review

This modules reviews different suture materials, absorbable vs non-absorbable, monofilament vs multifilament and the shapes of various needles used in surgery.
Length of Study: 80 min.
Difficulty:Easy

Surgical tourniquets

Surgical tourniquets are commonly used in the operating theatres, particularly during orthopaedic cases. Although they are very safe when used properly they can have rare but catastrophic consequences. This module covers how, where and when to use them and more importantly when not to.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Diathermy:  the basics 

Electrosurgery or diathermy has allowed faster operating, reduced blood loss and new surgical techniques. It does have its dangers and its safe use in operating theatres requires a grasp of its mechanisms of action and potential pitfalls.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Necrotising Fasciitis

This module describes the diagnosis and common management of NF. Patients need integrated, interdisciplinary management involving surgeons, intensive care physicians and microbiologists. Close monitoring and physiological support in an intensive care unit is often essential.
Length of Study: 60 min.
Difficulty: Easy

Acute limb compartment syndromes

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a medical emergency, which needs to be recognised by those involved with the provision of anaesthesia surgery and  critical care. This module covers its diagnosis and treatment.
Length of Study: 50 min.
Difficulty: Easy

Temperature Management in Children

Maintenance of normothermia in children under going surgery is challenging. There is clear evidence in adults that even mild intra-operative hypothermia is associated with adverse outcome. This short article discusses the problems and what we can do about it.
Length of Study: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy

Perioperative Hypothermia

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia can occur in up to 40% of surgical patients so it essential for theatre practitioners to know what causes it and how to prevent it.
A well as being very stressful and uncomfortable for patients upon waking, it has many negative consequences including delayed drug metabolism, wound healing and increased infection rates.

Length of Study: 75 min.
Difficulty: Easy
   

Latex Allergies

Latex allergies can be present in both staff and patients. Perioperative workers have to be aware of the causes and consequences of latex products in the operating theatre.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy