Stages and factors of the “perioperative process”: Points in common with the aeronautical industry

Abstract

Background: The aeronautical industry is one of the disciplines that most use control systems. Its purpose is to avoid accidents and return safer flights. The flight of an airplane, from its takeoff to its landing is a process divided into stages under strict control. A surgical procedure has the same characteristics. We try to identify and develop the stages of the surgical process using the experience of the aviation industry in order to optimize the results and reduce surgical complications. Aim: To identify and develop the stages of the surgical process so that they could be applied to surgery departments. Methods: A search, review and bibliographic analysis of the application of aeronautical control and safety to medical practice in general and to surgery, in particular, were carried out. Results: Surgical process comprises the perioperative period. It is composed of Preoperative Stage (it is divided into 2 “sub-steps”: hospital admission and control of preoperative studies) Operative Stage (it is divided into 3 “sub-steps”: anesthetic induction, surgery, and anesthetic recovery) and Postoperative Stage (it is divided into 2 “sub-steps”: control during hospitalization and ambulatory control). Two checkpoints must be developed. Checkpoint #1 would be located between the preoperative and operative stages, and checkpoint #2 would be located between the operative and postoperative stages. Surgical factors are surgeons, instrumental and technology, anesthesiology and operating room environment. Conclusion: It is possible and necessary to develop a systematic surgical procedure. Its application in the department of surgery could optimize the results and reduce the complications and errors related to daily practice.