Company Rep. Present During Surgery?

[warrenw]

Is it common practice to have the AMS or Coloplast company representative in the OR during the implant surgery?
I assume he is there to provide the implant in the size the surgeon requires.

Do most surgeons do this or do some have all the sizes and both brands available from their own inventory?

Would you give preference to a surgeon that needed the company rep or not?

Thanks guys, still interviewing surgeons.

[ThePlumber1964]

On my 3 surgeries, always the rep has been present. Based on my experience, the surgeon uses them differently; ones see them as a valued resource, others just as a mere piece of the supply chain.

[Bigred]

I didn't have one in the OR during my surgery.

[shooter1000]

Plumber has it right. When a rep is in the OR of a high volume surgeon. He or she is there to make up the charge sheet of what is used so the invoice can be tallied and sent. They will probably bring donuts to the staff etc. In many cases they are making as much or more than the surgeon.

If the surgeon is a rookie or low volume the rep may answer questions and give suggestions.

[Donnie1954]

Company rep assisted my surgeon during my operation. Provided the correct size AMS and extenders. He also talked to me after the surgery and before.
Donnie

[DaveET1]

Coloplast Rep was there during my surgery. Don't know what he did because I was asleep. A few weeks later, though, when I had pump trouble, he was there in Dr. Caesar's office to help, and later on the phone as well.

[ThePlumber1964]

Plumber has it right. When a rep is in the OR of a high volume surgeon. He or she is there to make up the charge sheet of what is used so the invoice can be tallied and sent. They will probably bring donuts to the staff etc. In many cases they are making as much or more than the surgeon.

If the surgeon is a rookie or low volume the rep may answer questions and give suggestions.

Shooter,

At least who was present for the first 2 was an incredibly prepared professional and great human being. He is not just a rep, he is certified to be an assistant at the OR. Very well respected among the other medical personnel. The last one... he became a poor punching bag, used by the doctor to place the blame on something he is not responsible for.