Specialty Surgical Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Specialty Surgical Procedures flashcards as text
In neurosurgery, what is the purpose of a Mayfield skull clamp?
Answer: To rigidly fix the head in position
The Mayfield three-pin skull clamp rigidly immobilizes the head to prevent any movement during intracranial procedures.
Which retractor system is most commonly used to expose the lumbar spine during a posterior spinal fusion?
Answer: Weitlaner self-retaining retractor
The Weitlaner self-retaining retractor provides sustained lateral retraction of the paraspinal muscles during posterior lumbar spine approaches.
During ophthalmic surgery for cataract removal using phacoemulsification, what does the handpiece do?
Answer: Uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and aspirate the lens
The phacoemulsification handpiece uses ultrasonic vibration to fragment the lens nucleus, which is then aspirated through the same tip.
What is the primary role of the surgical technologist during the intraoperative phase of a liver resection (hepatectomy)?
Answer: Anticipate and pass instruments, maintain sterile field integrity
The scrub surgical technologist anticipates the surgeon's needs, passes instruments efficiently, and maintains strict sterile field integrity throughout the procedure.
During a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), which structure is anastomosed to the jejunum to restore biliary drainage?
Answer: Common bile duct (choledochojejunostomy)
A choledochojejunostomy reconnects the common bile duct to a loop of jejunum to restore bile flow after removal of the head of the pancreas.
Which suture is most appropriate for anastomosing bowel segments during intestinal resection?
Answer: Polyglycolic acid (absorbable)
Absorbable sutures such as polyglycolic acid (Vicryl/Dexon) are preferred for bowel anastomoses as the suture is absorbed after the tissue has healed.
In thoracic surgery, what is the function of a double-lumen endotracheal tube during a pneumonectomy?
Answer: Allow one-lung ventilation by isolating each lung
A double-lumen ETT allows one-lung ventilation so the operative lung can be deflated and collapsed, providing the surgeon with an unobstructed operative field.