Table 4.
Definition of beginnings and endings of substeps for the “isolation of the gallbladder” step
| Observed surgical substeps | Beginning | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Locate the Gallbladder visually | Moment the first surgical instrument contacts the abdomen | Moment the Gallbladder is exposed |
| 2.2 Insert Endoscopic tools | Moment the Gallbladder is exposed | Moment the retraction tool contacts the Gallbladder |
| 2.3 (2.2) Expose Calot’s triangle | Moment the retraction tool contacts the Gallbladder | Moment the dissection tool contacts the gallbladder |
| 2.4 (2.3) Identify and isolate the cystic duct and artery | Moment the dissection tool contacts the gallbladder | Moment the dissection tool is removed from the abdomen (and replaced by clip applier) |