After morning breakfast we meet for a brief devotion and discussion of plan for the day. We load up onto the truck and head to the hospital which is a short 5 minute ride. Patients are usually waiting in the pre-op area where we change behind a curtain and proceed with getting rooms ready to run. Many items are moved into a locked storage room at night and brought back out at the beginning of the day. All patients are tested for HIV, Hep B, Hep C and over 40 they should have an EKG. We will keep pregnancy tests available if needed. Patients ambulate back to the operating room where translators are available to assist. After surgery they return to a post-anesthesia area and then to a hospital room. Surgeons make rounds in the morning and evening. Our local physician is available through the night for calls regarding complications or concerns and we can be contacted at the hotel if needed.
The schedule changes as people come with needs and/or pre-op testing is incomplete. The schedule is varied and frequently patients are sent for possible surgery based on the surgeon’s evaluation. It is always our decision on whether to proceed with surgery or not. Equipment is sterilized every evening by the hospital and through the day with Cidex and a smaller autoclave as needed. Team member staffing is needed for all ORs, instrument area, anesthesia and preop/postop areas. Your role may change as the needs are identified. The days are long and hot. Continue to drink water. Lunches are provided. There will be dedicated bottled water for you to refill throughout the day. You may bring snacks as you desire.