Why Surgeons Gowns?

Every surgical intervention is associated with an inherent risk of postoperative wound infection. Although relatively uncommon, this complication may dramatically alter the clinical course of an affected patient. As a result, every effort is made by the surgeon and operating room staff to adhere to proper sterile techniques to prevent surgical-site infections.Contamination of the operative field is a major concern to all orthopaedic surgeons.

The gown and drape barrier system has been shown to be an important factor in the prevention of wound infection. Performance differences between disposable and reusable materials as influencing wound infections were demonstrated. A disposable spun-bonded olefin gown and drape system significantly reduced the postoperative wound infection rate. No therapeutic benefit in clean surgical operations was observed for either the preoperative antibiotic group of local wound irrigation group. Factors indicating populations at higher risks for wound infection include age, sex and those requiring long and an emergency type operations. Special attention should be given to the infection prone groups. Unless factors, such as percentage of type of operation, emergency nature, age and sex, are weighed, a comparison of wound infections between hospitals is invalid.

In short,Surgical gowns are considered one of the most important protective items during surgical procedures. Sterile surgical gowns play an essential role in maintaining aseptic conditions by blocking the transfer of harmful microorganisms and chemicals to and from the patient, and reducing the transfer of bacteria from the skin of the surgical staff to the air in the operating room.Wearing surgical gowns and other medical apparel (e.g. surgical masks, gloves, etc.) is of utmost importance as there will always be microorganisms present on or in the human skin, even after conducting strict hygienic and surgical scrubbing procedures. The purpose of surgical gowns and other protective clothing is not only to keep bacteria from entering surgical wounds, but to also protect the surgical staff from bodily fluids, secretions or excretions like blood, urine, saline, or chemicals used and during surgical procedures.