Arthroscopy and Arthrotomy of the Stifle 181(A) (B)(C) (D)Figure 23.15 During arthroscopy-assisted arthrotomy, the arthroscope can be stabilized by resting the surgeon’s hand
against the patient or a sterile towel positioned on the patient to avoid a shaky image and inadvertent withdrawal of the
scope from the joint (A). (B) The surgeon can steady the image and prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the arthroscope
from the joint by grasping the shaft of the scope near the arthrotomy incision. (C) Fluid egress occurs freely and fluid
collection should be performed. A water-impervious drape is used on patients having arthroscopy-assisted arthrotomy to
avoid contamination of the surgical site. The drape used in this patient is an antimicrobial surgical incise drape with an
iodophor-impregnated adhesive, designed to provide a sterile surface all the way to the wound edge and continuous
antimicrobial activity throughout the procedure. (D) Fluid egress can be captured using a drainage pouch with suction
attachment or a floor drain, or simply placing towels or absorbent towels on the floor.
(A) (B)Figure 23.16 (A) The tip of the arthroscope should be placed near the target tissue to provide the best view. Bubbles
will often obscure the view if the tip of the scope is drawn too far away from the tissue of interest. (B) A scrubbed
assistant can be used to hold a grasper or probe during resection of the cranial cruciate ligament remnants or partial
meniscectomy. The surgeon typically holds the scope and the cutting instrument or shaver.