Behind Closed Doors: "You had to be there ..." Why surgery's weird humor is a good thing.

Yes, you can do outpatient colectomy. Technology and post-op care are changing the length of stay for patients after colorectal surgery.

Editor's Page: Trade you a disruptive doc for a full schedule. Some deals you're better off not making.

Easily pick up loose hair clippings with this Idea That Works from Corvallis, Oregon.

5 cataract complications to avoid. Tips, techniques and technology to ensure eye cases go as planned.

Product News: A smudge-free, self-cleaning laparoscope.

The Surgeons' Lounge: Pain control. Should we switch to non-opioid IV pain meds?

Daytime is best for lap choles. Overnight, they're more likely to convert to open cases.

Can We Predict the Quality of Recovery?

Patient sues, but facility, physicians not liable for tooth loss. Patient had poor dental health and clenched on bite block after procedure.

No one noticed and no alarms sounded when tourniquet deflated. Lawsuit: Bolus dose of lidocaine caused patient to code on OR table.

Medical assistant sues Anesthesia Group for firing her for being Muslim. Employer denies allegations, cites failure to report missing Demerol as reason for firing.

Train surgeons and staff on electrosurgery safety with FUSE. New program aims to prevent OR fires, improve device safety.

How dangerous is surgical smoke? The foul-smelling plume can cause long-term harm to staff and surgeons.

Pump up your pain pump knowledge. How much do you know about the potential for post-op complications?

Steer clear of wrong-site surgery. These kinds of mistakes are called never events because they never should happen to anyone, but they do happen.

Stay on your toes. Prevent slips, trips and falls in the surgical workplace.

Medication management essentials. Time to brush up on proper labeling, administration and dosing practices.

No objects left behind. If preventing retained foreign objects is such a high priority, why is it still being reported as a common sentinel event?

Getting to the point of sharps safety. Know the facts and protect your staff.