Step 1. Prepare the surgical site

Shave the region of the incision. Palpate and mark the position of the temporal line and incision. Apply antiseptic to the region of the ear.

Apply the facial monitor electrodes: red electrode lateral to the lips and blue electrode lateral to the eye. Tap the patient’s face to check that the facial monitor is working well.

Apply and secure absorbent woven drapes and an adhesive transparent drape with water trap. Secure the following: suction for the wound and trap, monopolar diathermy, and bipolar diathermy.

Check and drape the microscope.