According to the American College of Surgeons, which of the following tasks is NOT typically performed by a surgical assistant?

In the context of surgical practice, a surgical assistant plays a crucial role in the operating room, providing support to the lead surgeon and ensuring the procedure is conducted smoothly. Tasks such as preparing the surgical site, managing surgical instruments, and offering aid during the operation fall squarely within the responsibilities of a surgical assistant.

Postoperative evaluations, however, are generally not part of the surgical assistant's duties. These evaluations are more appropriately conducted by the primary surgeon or other qualified medical professionals, such as surgical residents or nurses, who are trained to assess the patient's condition after surgery. This distinction is important, as it delineates the roles within the surgical team and emphasizes the focus of surgical assistants on intraoperative support rather than postoperative patient assessments.