The side of the operation should be clearly and unambiguously indicated in the notes, consent form, operating list, and marked on the patient with indelible marker, e.g. hernia, amputation, etc. Lumps for excision should be marked, especially breast lumps. Do not use `L' of `R' as abbreviations for left and right.
The doctor who marks the side should initial the mark. Both the front and the back of limbs should be marked.