Pre-Operative Surgical Safety Checklist
How Hospitals Prevent Errors Before Surgery
At Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
General, Laparoscopic, Laser & Daycare Surgery Specialist
What Is a Pre-Operative Surgical Safety Checklist?
A Pre-Operative Surgical Safety Checklist is a structured hospital protocol followed before any surgery to ensure:
✔ Right patient
✔ Right procedure
✔ Right surgical site
✔ Right equipment
✔ Right anesthesia plan
It is a global patient safety standard recommended by the WHO.
Why a Surgical Safety Checklist Is Essential
Even experienced surgeons rely on checklists because they:
✔ Reduce surgical errors
✔ Prevent wrong-site surgeries
✔ Improve team communication
✔ Lower anesthesia complications
✔ Increase patient confidence
At Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, this checklist is mandatory for every surgery.
When Is the Checklist Used?
The checklist is performed in three critical stages:
1️⃣ Before anesthesia
2️⃣ Before skin incision
3️⃣ Before the patient leaves OT
Each step focuses on patient safety.
Phase 1: Before Anesthesia (Sign-In)
✔ Patient identity confirmed
✔ Surgery & site verified
✔ Consent form checked
✔ Allergy history reviewed
✔ Fasting status confirmed
✔ Anesthesia machine checked
This phase prevents life-threatening anesthesia errors.
Phase 2: Before Skin Incision (Time-Out)
✔ Surgical team introduction
✔ Final procedure confirmation
✔ Surgical site marking verified
✔ Antibiotic timing confirmed
✔ Blood availability checked
✔ Imaging displayed (CT, MRI, USG)
This is the most critical pause in surgery.
Phase 3: Before Leaving Operation Theatre (Sign-Out)
✔ Instrument & sponge count completed
✔ Specimen labeled correctly
✔ Procedure documented
✔ Post-op instructions noted
✔ Recovery plan confirmed
Nothing is rushed—accuracy is essential.
Who Is Responsible for the Checklist?
✔ Surgeon
✔ Anesthetist
✔ Scrub nurse
✔ Circulating nurse
The checklist works only when every team member participates.
Common Errors Prevented by the Checklist
❌ Wrong patient surgery
❌ Wrong side operation
❌ Forgotten instruments
❌ Missed allergies
❌ Inadequate antibiotics
These errors are 100% preventable with proper protocol.
Role of Nurses in Surgical Safety
Nurses:
✔ Verify documents
✔ Cross-check equipment
✔ Speak up if something feels wrong
✔ Maintain sterile discipline
Nurses are the backbone of OT safety.
Patient’s Role in Pre-Operative Safety
Patients should:
✔ Share full medical history
✔ Declare allergies honestly
✔ Follow fasting instructions
✔ Ask questions before surgery
Patient participation improves outcomes.
Importance in Daycare & Laparoscopic Surgery
Even short surgeries require:
✔ Full checklist
✔ Complete verification
✔ Same safety discipline
Daycare does not mean careless.
How Aayush Multispeciality Hospital Maintains Surgical Safety
✔ WHO-based checklist
✔ Trained OT staff
✔ Standardized documentation
✔ Regular audits
✔ Zero-tolerance for shortcuts
Safety is a system, not luck.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
✔ Ethical surgical approach
✔ Strict safety protocols
✔ Clear patient communication
✔ Modern OT standards
✔ Compassionate care
Because safe surgery saves lives.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
