Operating Room: through a surgical technician's eyes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Briana Jones
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Laying the surgical instruments down one by one, her face is void of worry or fear. She displays a cool, calm and collected manner as the operating room is prepared for the second surgery of the day.

Airman 1st Class Sylvia Zamora, 31st Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician, ensures the OR is ready, sterile and the proper surgical instruments are laid out, for Lt. Col. (Dr.) Sandra Early, 31st Surgical Operations Squadron surgical services medical director, operation to remove cysts from a patient's leg.

"Surgeons have enough on their plate already and surgical technicians are there to lighten the load," said Zamora. "My job is to know what the surgeon needs before I am even told; if the surgeon and surgical technician have good communication then it makes the job easier for the both of them."

Zamora said she prepares for each operation by studying the case file. Every day is a new learning experience. Each surgery presents its own unique challenges, from looking for the cause of a patient's ailment to surgery side effect and different surgical procedures.

"What I like most about working with Dr. Early is that she is intelligent," said Zamora. "I can ask her anything about a case she is working and she will be able to tell me. I believe she enjoys her job and is a great person to learn from."

Surgeon and surgical techs must be able to clearly communicate to one another and relay what the surgeon needs before and during the surgery. Zamora and Dr. Early have worked together on multiple surgeries and built a report in the OR.

"Dr. Early knows what she is doing, which makes it easy for me to work with her," said Zamora. "The better relationship you have with your surgeon the better your day, the procedure and your job will be."

Throughout the surgery she listens to Dr. Early explain the process and why she performs each step. Dr. Early keeps a close eye on Zamora as she begins stitching the incision closed on her own. Slowly but surely the incision is closed. She smiles knowing the relationship and the cooperation of the surgical team has led to another successful surgery.