In this book, the authors have tried to show, in a brief and practical manner, the basic principles and techniques that veterinary surgeons, nurses and students should know, master and improve to enhance the surgical care provided to their patients. The book features chapters about the different methods and techniques to control bacterial contamination and surgical infection, both in terms of the fight against microorganisms and the surgeons’ and assistants’ practices in the operating theatre. Information about the instruments and suture materials most commonly used in surgery, how they should be handled, and how to use them to cause as little trauma as possible to the patient, is also provided in other chapters. All the content is illustrated by a large number of images to follow the procedures and techniques described step by step. In addition, the e-book includes high-quality and instructive videos to complete the reader’s knowledge of surgery and his/her training.

KEY FEATURES:

➜ Large number of images.

➜ High quality and instructive videos.

Authors

JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ

Professor of Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Department of Animal Pathology of the University of Zaragoza.

JORGE LLINÁS

Director and surgeon at the Hospital Veterinario Valencia Sur (Valencia, Spain). President of the Spanish Society of Veterinary Laser and Electrosurgery.

ROBERTO BUSSADORI

Director of the Centro Veterinario Criado de Puig (Valencia, Spain).

SALVADOR GUILLÉN

European doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Cardiovascular, thoracic and airway surgeon at the Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso (Milan, Italy).

Table of Contents

1. Surgical conscience and ethics

       Introduction

       Best results with minimal complications

2. Prevention and control of infection

       Nosocomial infections

       Blood infections associated with venous catheters

       Urinary tract infections associated with urinary catheterization

       Surgical site infections

3. Sterilization techniques

       Introduction

      Steam autoclaves

      Sterilization of heat-sensitive material. Chemical sterilization

4. Surgical instruments

      Basic concepts

      Instrument parts

      General categorization of instruments

5. Surgical suite. Cleaning, inspection and maintenance.

      Introduction

      Characteristics of the surgical suite

      Cleaning, inspection and maintenance of surgical instruments

6. Packaging of material for sterilisation

       Introduction

       Packaging for sterilisation

       Sterilisation packages

       Packaging technique

7. Suture and ligation materials

       General characteristics of surgical thread and needles

       Characteristics of suture thread

       Classification of sutures

       Suture package information

       Needles

       Types of suture and needle by tissue.

       Basic concepts

8. Catheters and drains

       Introduction

       Aspiration catheters/Drains

9. Admission and preparation of the patient for surgery

       Relationships with owners

       Shaving and disinfection of the skin

       Preoperative cleaning and washing of the patient

       Positioning of the patient on the operating table

       Preparation of the surgical field

10.Preparation of surgical staff

       Introduction

       Clothing in the operating theatre

       Behavior in the surgical area

11.Surgical team. Standards during surgery

       Introduction

       Non-sterile or circulating nurse

       Sterile nurse

       Preparation and organization of instruments

       Protection of the patient. Field drapes

       Aid and assistance to the surgeon

12.Initial surgical techniques

       Introduction

       Skin incision

       Dissection and section

       Haemostasis

       Suturing

       Haemostasis. Gauze pads. Sponges.

       Gauze balls

13.Postoperative period. Care and monitoring

       Introduction

       Dressings and bandages

       Prevention of self-trauma

       Identification of complications

       Home care

       Removal of sutures

14.Basic surgical techniques

       Feeding tubes

       Midline laparotomy

       Orchiectomy

       Ovariectomy/Ovariohysterectomy