interesting to con-
sider. It's something
I believe patients
would like," says
Matt Umbehant,
BSN, the surgical
services manager at
Stephens County
Hospital in Toccoa,
Ga.
Ms. Dayton says
IV-free anesthesia is
on her next meeting
agenda. "IV supplies are expensive and IV starts are painful. I know
patients would be all for it," she says.
IV-free is not for everybody, like those who give local anesthetic or
prefer IV sedation (many in our panel insist on IV access in case of an
emergency). Some prefer not to put patients to sleep because physi-
cians like them responsive during surgery. Some worry it'll overly
sedate patients, increasing recovery time and leaving patients groggy.
"We have a high elderly population and the best practice is a small
dose of Ativan with a local," says a hospital administrator. Another
respondent says she's already IV-free: "We use oral midazolam with
great results." Others balk at the cost, $25 for 2 tablets, compared to
IV drugs.
6. Dropless. In so-called "dropless" cataract surgery, the ophthal-
mologist injects an antibiotic-steroid combination before closing so
that the patient doesn't have to instill drops post-operatively.
"Hopefully, Medicare will realize that they will save money by using
this option instead of eye drops. I love dropless!" says Denise
5 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
• EYE ON ERGONOMICS Microscopes with adjustable oculars and "heads up" surgery where
the surgeon looks at a flat TV screen instead of through a microscope help prevent repetitive
stress injuries of the neck and back.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
