Whats the Lap Count?

As a third year medical student in the operating room, our duty is to create an open surgical space through the intricate art of retracting. On top of that, you have to be ready for any question the surgeon may ask you at any time during the case. This process of ‘getting pimped’ is nerve-racking to most medical students, but it ensures that you’ve read up on the anatomy and the patient prior to the case.

After scrubbing into the OR recently, the surgeon turned to me. “Ok, you are in charge of the lap count.” I stood there puzzled as if he was confusing me with the scrub nurse or something. He explained that on top of my retracting, he wanted me to take note of exactly how many lap sponges were in the abdomen at all times. Although a small task, I… Continue reading →