OSE_1212_part3_Layout 1 12/5/12 9:34 AM Page 149
SAFETY
MODERN ART Piercings are a unique form
of expression, but pose dangers in the OR.
adamant about keeping piercings in throughout the procedure,
discuss his reasons for wanting to. Include the surgeon and anesthesia provider in the conversation.
Hopefully, you'll be able to impress upon him the safety
reasons behind your policy and talk him into having the piercings removed. Inform patients who are afraid of losing fresh
piercings if jewelry is removed that their piercer can insert plastic or quartz (inert substances that are safe for the OR) retainers in
the holes to keep the wounds from closing.
Remove carefully
Patients are continually showing up for surgery with jewelry in place, despite being
warned not to, so your staff may have to remove some pieces. Always lubricate jewelry
before removal so it slides out easier and won't stick in the fistula. If you see a tube of
white scar tissue coming out with the jewelry, apply more lubricant. Before removing
any piece of jewelry, use sterile gauze or a sterile cotton swab to wipe the area around
the piercing with dynarex benzalkonium chloride (BZK) antiseptic solution.
Do your absolute best to avoid damaging jewelry during removal, but don't be overly
concerned if pieces get bent or slightly damaged, especially if patients were warned
about having piercings removed before arriving (their safety is more important than
their jewelry). Your policy should state that no item can be kept in the body that might
conduct electricity, and your facility isn't responsible for any damage that might occur
D E C E M B E R 2012 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
1 4 9
