Surgical Endoscopy Resources

Set up theatre equipment as required for the surgical setup and check functionality, following the Room Set-up guide. This step is essential for ensuring that all equipment operates correctly prior to and during procedures, which is a critical aspect of endoscopy job functions. Additionally, managing patient transport effectively is important, as well as ensuring that consumables such as gloves, masks, aprons, eye protection, and traps are replenished.

Ensure the patient is on the correct trolley relative to the procedure as part of essential endoscopy job functions. Note: When X-ray is required, the patient must be on an X-ray compatible trolley, with the patient’s head positioned at the correct end to ensure the C-Arm of the X-ray machine has access as needed. Ensure the patient transport trolley is equipped with an oxygen bottle that has adequate contents and a securely attached drip pole. Additionally, patient trolleys must include procedure-specific bedding accessories, such as an extra pillow for a gastroscopy, and slide sheets under the patient for procedures like colonoscopy, ERCP, and EUS. Communicate with all relevant theatre staff to ensure readiness for the patient to be brought into the theatre. Once ready, make sure the patient's head is close to the end of the bed for rapid emergency access. Position the patient using all specific accessories required for the procedure (see: Patient positioning Guide). For instance, use a pillow behind the patient's back for a gastroscopy or a safety belt around the waist for a colonoscopy, along with gels, a roll, and a small square headrest for an ERCP. Cover patients with blankets or other heating equipment to maintain their temperature. Enter the theatre either headfirst or feet first, depending on the procedure and the specific theatre. Finally, position the patient trolley correctly within the room. Note: If the patient is having a general anaesthetic, the patient and trolley must be positioned close to the anaesthetic machine, following the instructions of the anaesthetist.

Anaesthetic staff will connect patient monitoring as part of their endoscopy job functions. They will move all equipment into position to prepare for the surgical setup. The patient trolley will be raised or lowered to the appropriate height for the proceduralist, and the pendant monitor will be adjusted to the correct level. Once Time Out has been completed and all theatre staff are ready, the appropriate room lighting conditions will be set by dimming the lights. Side rails will be lowered, and staff will stay beside the patient for safety during patient transport. An absorbent pad (Bluey or Pinki) will be placed under the patient's head or buttocks, depending on the procedure.

On the camera stack, turn the CO2 and water on, and when the proceduralist is ready, turn the light on for the scope. As part of the endoscopy job functions, apply procedure-specific pressure to patients as instructed by the proceduralist if required. If needed, attach Specimen Traps, retrieve specimens, and decant trap contents appropriately. During the surgical setup, re-position patients as instructed. At the end of the procedure, turn the light off for the scope and push the camera stack back. Ensure the side rails for the bed are up and locked. Turn on all theatre lights. Additionally, if required, during patient transport, re-position patients as directed by the Anaesthetist.

Connect the oxygen tubing to the oxygen cylinder as directed and turn on the oxygen to the level instructed by the anesthetist. Erect the drip pole for the anesthetist to hang any fluids or drivers attached to the patient, ensuring that all endoscopy job functions are performed correctly. Make sure the bed rails are raised and locked into position to guarantee patient safety during transport. Raise the trolley to a safe height to reduce the risk of back injury to yourself while preparing for patient transport. Place the patient trolley on steer prior to moving. Do not take the patient from the theatre without the anesthetist present. Together with the anesthetist, push the patient trolley into the appropriate recovery bay, leaving enough room behind the head of the bed to allow for airway access if required. Afterward, remove the oxygen tubing from the bottle and reconnect it to the oxygen source wall, turning the oxygen level on the wall to the same level as instructed by the anesthetist. Take the replacement monitoring module out of the monitoring equipment on the recovery bay's wall and plug in the patient's monitoring module (attached to the patient). Finally, return the replacement monitoring module to the anesthetic machine in the theatre where the procedure was performed and ensure to perform cleaning functions of general equipment and the theatre environment after each procedure, maintaining a hygienic surgical setup.

Lunch breaks (30 minutes) should be taken between 12pm – 1pm, depending on operational needs such as the completion of Lists, patient transport, and surgical setup. If Lists finish early, please coordinate with other colleagues to prioritize lunch breaks so everyone can enjoy a meal. However, if Lists run over time and you cannot step away for lunch, consult with endoscopy management regarding your endoscopy job functions to ensure proper coverage.

Morning and Afternoon Tea breaks are scheduled during their respective Lists (10-15 minutes each). It is unlikely you will be able to take these breaks without assistance. Therefore, tea breaks should be taken in consultation with the procedure room team to ensure they align with the Procedure Lists and do not interfere with patient transport or surgical setup.

Note – Take Morning Tea and Afternoon Tea when starting long procedures (not during Gas or Flexi procedures).