A surgical assistant is a medical professional who assists a surgeon with his or her duties during surgery.
Depending on the surgical specialty, surgical assistants may be CRNAs, PAs, or RNs.
A surgical assistant typically works under the supervision of a surgeon or physician.
A surgical assistant assists during a procedure in a variety of ways, including preparing the patient for surgery, sterilizing and disinfecting surgical tools, passing instruments to the surgeon, and restraining the patient.
A surgical assistant may be required to use specialized instruments, such as retractors, hemostats, and electrocautery.