Surgical Assistant Definitions and Titles
ABSA and IOPSA defines First and Second Assistants as follows:
First Assistant
The first assistant on a surgical procedure is defined as the individual providing primary assistance to the primary (main) surgeon, during a surgical procedure. This individual CANNOT be involved in any other role or function, during the surgical procedure (i.e. first or second scrub and/or passing instruments). This individual must also be listed on the operative record as the first assistant, not as a first or second scrub!
Although descriptions may vary from institution to institution, the role of the first assistant requires active participation, during the surgical procedure. This involves providing exposure, hemostasis, tying or sewing plus other functions (excluding acting as the scrub nurse or technician) as determined by the primary surgeon, responsible for the patient and procedure.
An individual may not act as a first assistant, for example, on a simple hernia repair or similar case with only themselves and the surgeon. This is a surgeon/scrub role and not a surgeon/assistant role.
Although descriptions may vary from institution to institution, the role of the first assistant requires active participation, during the surgical procedure. This involves providing exposure, hemostasis, tying or sewing plus other functions (excluding acting as the scrub nurse or technician) as determined by the primary surgeon, responsible for the patient and procedure.
An individual may not act as a first assistant, for example, on a simple hernia repair or similar case with only themselves and the surgeon. This is a surgeon/scrub role and not a surgeon/assistant role.
Second Assistant
This individual is not the primary assistant to the primary surgeon and is hereby defined and designated as a retractor holder. An assistant as defined under this section does not qualify as a first assistant.Important to Note:
The primary function of a surgical assistant is to assist the surgeon, provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and serve other technical functions
as designated by the responsible licensed surgeon.
It is understood and acknowledged that certification and/or licensure as a surgical assistant (and not licensed as a physician in the USA),
does not allow for any independent performance of any medical or surgical procedures, within the United States of America or its territories.
Surgical Assistant Titles
- A surgical assistant may function in the role of either a first or second assistant, as determined by the primary surgeon, depending on the operative procedure.
- Hospitals and/or free-standing surgical centers often refer to Non-MD surgical assistants by general terms such as: first assistants, first surgical assistants or just surgical assistants.
- Different credentialing organizations utilize different registered designations such as AS-C, CRNFA, CSA or CSFA.
- The American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) designation is Surgical Assistant - Certified (SA-C).
The above-mentioned definition of “independent performance of any medical or surgical procedure” does not include the “closing / suturing” of a patient, following a surgical procedure.