3 3
M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT 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
SAFETY
the involvement of the patient's sponsor and a strategy for manage-
ment of post-op pain. "Patients are very worried about reigniting
their addiction process and, at the same time, are worried about
adequate pain control due to previous drug use," says Damon
Raskin, MD, a recovery specialist in our area. "They deserve ade-
quate pain control and reassurance that opiates are okay after sur-
gery." We encourage patients to take pain medications as pre-
scribed for the first 24 to 48 hours to stay ahead of the pain cycle.
When patients try to wean themselves off of pain meds too early
because of anxiety related to their addiction, they can inadvertently
create a recovery crisis that is even more difficult to manage and
can extend their surgical recovery.
We also discuss privacy both at the pre-op call and at registra-
tion. Careful to
observe HIPAA regu-
lations, we ask
patients to designate
with whom we can
speak about their
care — their caregiv-
er, a relative or
friend — in the
event someone else
needs to call on
their behalf. We
want to address any
post-operative ques-
tions patients may
have when they
might not be able to
Use your existing blade
Uninterrupted puncture-ability
and field of vision
Change blade as needed
throughout the procedure
Weight: 27 Grams
65,000 reported scalpel
injuries each year*
Protective
safety shield
Change blade as needed
throughout the procedure
Uninterrupted puncture-ability
and field of vision
Use your existing blade
Weight: 27 Grams
The choice is yours.
® and TM are owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates. © 2012 Ansell Limited. All rights reserved. *Data on file.
Anticipate the Unexpected
Call for your free Change-A-Blade® evaluation 866-764-3327.
For more information visit www.sandelmedical.com.
Change-A-Blade
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