Sitting while performing surgey?

[smsc2009]

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Hi,
I am curious if during surgey it is reasonable to say the physician can sit. I know in some surgical specialties it's a no no, but considering that the doctor is performing surgey on the foot is it common for a podiatrist to sit during surgey? I ask because I have a physical disability and it is not very comfortable for me to stand in one position for 30+ minutes. I know when I visit the podiatrist he is always sitting down when examining my foot so what about during surgey?
Thanks

 

[NatCh]

Hi,
I am curious if during surgey it is reasonable to say the physician can sit. I know in some surgical specialties it's a no no, but considering that the doctor is performing surgey on the foot is it common for a podiatrist to sit during surgey? I ask because I have a physical disability and it is not very comfortable for me to stand in one position for 30+ minutes. I know when I visit the podiatrist he is always sitting down when examining my foot so what about during surgey?
Thanks

Yes. No problem. Sometimes I even lie down. J/K.

Nat

 

[Stafocker]

Hi,
I am curious if during surgey it is reasonable to say the physician can sit. I know in some surgical specialties it's a no no, but considering that the doctor is performing surgey on the foot is it common for a podiatrist to sit during surgey? I ask because I have a physical disability and it is not very comfortable for me to stand in one position for 30+ minutes. I know when I visit the podiatrist he is always sitting down when examining my foot so what about during surgey?
Thanks

yes, but only for certain procedures or even at the end when closing. However, it'll depend on the surgeon and their preference. I actually know of a UCLA Cardiothoracic surgeon who needs a step-stool for her surgeries because she is quite short (but an excellent surgeon). So for everyone, they have their own preference. I remember at an externship in Atlanta, the student were NOT allowed to sit, EVER. The attending would stop surgery and even tell the staff to stand up when he walked in the room... it was a different culture. Even when the attending sat down, he wouldn't let the students sit, but would offer certain residents (usually the senior ones) a seat as well. After that in my 3rd year, I don't sit unless I'm told (it's just automatic now, never to sit unless i'm offered a seat).

Now even as a resident I only sit when the attending sit and offers, or when they leave the room to dictate and i am alone to close. However, that's just me and i'm sure there are a lot of easy going surgeons out there that don't care and sit for everything, especially the taller ones i would guess.

hope this helps.

 

[NatCh]

I remember at an externship in Atlanta, the student were NOT allowed to sit, EVER. The attending would stop surgery and even tell the staff to stand up when he walked in the room...

At least they didn't command you to bow...

 

[SportPOD]

Yes. No problem. Sometimes I even lie down. J/K.

Nat

That would be the reverse contralateral Trendelenberg, right?

 

[SportPOD]

yes, but only for certain procedures or even at the end when closing. However, it'll depend on the surgeon and their preference. I actually know of a UCLA Cardiothoracic surgeon who needs a step-stool for her surgeries because she is quite short (but an excellent surgeon). So for everyone, they have their own preference. I remember at an externship in Atlanta, the student were NOT allowed to sit, EVER. The attending would stop surgery and even tell the staff to stand up when he walked in the room... it was a different culture. Even when the attending sat down, he wouldn't let the students sit, but would offer certain residents (usually the senior ones) a seat as well. After that in my 3rd year, I don't sit unless I'm told (it's just automatic now, never to sit unless i'm offered a seat).

Now even as a resident I only sit when the attending sit and offers, or when they leave the room to dictate and i am alone to close. However, that's just me and i'm sure there are a lot of easy going surgeons out there that don't care and sit for everything, especially the taller ones i would guess.

hope this helps.

Good point, only sit if the attending offers you a seat or commands you to sit down. I usually perform my surgeries standing up, mainly because I like to dance while I'm doing surgery.

 

[Stafocker]

At least they didn't command you to bow...

lol

 

[COdaddy]

I sit whenever I get the chance, but I am also 6'7". If I go through a day where I stand all day, my back and neck are killing me. Plus I have a few attendings that are around 5', and it works out better if I sit and they stand, because then we are at an even height.

 

[MaseratiGT]

Yes. No problem. Sometimes I even lie down. J/K.

Nat

HAHA! I want you doing ALL my hammertoe procedures!!

 

[krabmas]

I usually stand on a stepstool. Sometimes I need to double stack them.

When working with the vascular surgeons or orthopedic on arms we sit. My back usually hurts more after sitting for hours than standing.