Regulatory Open Forum

Dear RAPS Friends,

Is there a national standard for what is considered "during surgery" or what determines the start of surgery?  I have always been of the understanding the "incision" is the official start of the surgery, but that is being questioned by some of my peers.  Some argue that induction to anesthesia, positioning, draping are also part of the surgery, thus "Patient in the operating room" should be the official start time.  Is there any clear standard for this?

Dear RAPS Friends,

Is there a national standard for what is considered "during surgery" or what determines the start of surgery?  I have always been of the understanding the "incision" is the official start of the surgery, but that is being questioned by some of my peers.  Some argue that induction to anesthesia, positioning, draping are also part of the surgery, thus "Patient in the operating room" should be the official start time.  Is there any clear standard for this?

I am also not aware of any standard definition for "during surgery." In my experience, a number of times are routinely captured during a surgical procedure, including Patient in room, anesthesia start and incision.  It would make sense to use the one that best fits for a particular purpose and to be very clear about which one is being used.

Hope this helps.

Kathy

Dear RAPS Friends,

Is there a national standard for what is considered "during surgery" or what determines the start of surgery?  I have always been of the understanding the "incision" is the official start of the surgery, but that is being questioned by some of my peers.  Some argue that induction to anesthesia, positioning, draping are also part of the surgery, thus "Patient in the operating room" should be the official start time.  Is there any clear standard for this?

My experience is similar. In my current company, we track a number of time variables.

- total OR time

- skin to skin time

- treatment time (we make a surgical treatment system)

- total procedure time (in our case includes OR time plus prep plus imaging time etc)

I don't think there is a "standard" so it is typically better to try and be very clear on what you mean in any given usage.

g-

I am also not aware of any standard definition for "during surgery." In my experience, a number of times are routinely captured during a surgical procedure, including Patient in room, anesthesia start and incision.  It would make sense to use the one that best fits for a particular purpose and to be very clear about which one is being used.

Hope this helps.

Kathy

Dear RAPS Friends,

Is there a national standard for what is considered "during surgery" or what determines the start of surgery?  I have always been of the understanding the "incision" is the official start of the surgery, but that is being questioned by some of my peers.  Some argue that induction to anesthesia, positioning, draping are also part of the surgery, thus "Patient in the operating room" should be the official start time.  Is there any clear standard for this?