Table 1 Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland criteria for operative synoptic reporting

1

Date and time

2

Elective/emergency procedure

3

The names of the operating surgeon(s) and assistant(s)

4

The operative procedure carried out

5

The incision

6

The operative diagnosis

7

The operative findings

8

Any problems/complications

9

Any extra procedure performed and the reason why it was performed

10

Details of tissue removed, added or altered

11

Identification of any prosthesis used, including the serial numbers of prostheses and other implanted materials

12

Details of closure technique

13

Post-operative care instructions

14

Signature