What is the first step in carrying out a primary surgery?

Obtaining patient consent is a fundamental step in carrying out a primary surgery, as it ensures that the patient is informed about the procedure and agrees to undergo it. Informed consent is not only an ethical obligation but also a legal requirement in healthcare. This process involves discussing the nature of the surgery, potential risks, benefits, alternative treatments, and what to expect during recovery, enabling the patient to make an educated decision regarding their care.

While administering anesthesia, preparing the surgical area, and gathering instruments are crucial steps in the surgical process, they occur after the patient has given their consent. Without ensuring that the patient understands and agrees to the procedure, moving forward with surgery would violate ethical standards and potentially lead to legal issues. Therefore, obtaining consent forms the foundation for all subsequent actions in a surgical setting.