Paralyzed patient blames surgeon for dropping instrument on his spinal cord. $22 million suit: 2 dropped instruments left patient paralyzed. The tools reportedly landed on the patient's spinal cord during surgery to relive a pinched nerve.

Federal panel: remove total knees from inpatient-only list. Is Medicare ready to reimburse outpatient knee replacement? Advisory panel recommendation opens the door for ambulatory arthroplasty.

Study: UV lamps reduce bacteria on computer keyboards by 99%. A new study suggests that UV lamps could help lower the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Report: Anesthesiologist's blocks blinded 5 cataract patients in one morning. Patients reportedly screamed as anesthesiologist working his first day at the center inserted the needle.

A hospital that removed a kidney from the wrong patient blames referring physician. A kidney removal case brought the wrong patient to the OR table.

Feds: CRNA group offered free drugs to ASCs for exclusive contracts. The group denies any wrongdoing, calling the pay-to-play claims "meritless" and the product of a "disgruntled" ex-employee.

Medical spa liable for woman's SSI death following liposuction. Lawsuit claims contaminated instruments caused fatal infection.

ACS issues new guidelines on OR attire. The dress code addresses how to properly wear scrubs, masks, hats and gowns.

Do your anesthesia providers double-glove? Even if they do, it's not always enough to protect your patients. Find out why.

The guidelines that are changing surgical patients' care. Updated standards buck tradition in favor of early ambulation and doing away with NPO.

Better reflect UV rays with this Idea That Works from Richmond, Va.

Anesthesia alert: topical or block: what's best for cataracts? Factors to consider before you choose one method over another.

5 new technologies for treating GERD. The list of minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic options is expanding.

Avoid back and forth haggling with capital equipment vendors with this Idea That Works from Texas.

Fill in knowledge gaps with patients and staff with this Idea That Works from New York, N.Y.

Are your safety checklists effective enough? Without these teamwork qualities, your OR staff's pre-surgical rundowns may be incomplete.

Save time and money with this Idea That Works from Louisiana.

Editor's Page: when cost-cutting jeopardizes patient safety. Physician claims he was told to skimp on anesthesia to hasten discharge.

Discover errors before the patient is on the table with this Idea That Works from Fairfax, Va.

Thinking of buying ... Patient warming solutions. What's the best way to maintain normothermia in your patients?