What do you need to know about surgical drapes?

Surgeries are medical procedures that are performed for several reasons. Whatever the reasons may be, surgeries require perfection in the surgical procedure to ensure the right treatment and safety of the patient. To make this possible, surgeons use several pieces of equipment and drapes during the surgical procedure. The purpose of using these equipment and surgical drapes is to help in the surgical process and save the patient from any risk of potential infections.

Using this equipment and surgical drapes can help to minimize the risks of any infection that the patient might get during or after surgery. However, it is highly significant to choose the right surgical drape for the surgical procedure as it helps to prevent the spread of infection which is extremely important to avoid complications.  Today we are going to discuss all the factors which you should know about surgical drapes and their uses.

What are surgical drapes?

Surgical drapes

Surgical drapes are medical drapes that help to maintain a sterile surgical environment during surgeries. These drapes are used during surgeries to avoid any potential infections and injuries. These drapes have a sterile layer that helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the fabric. In this way, it can help to protect the patient against any danger. Also, these drapes can help minimize the contact of the patient’s skin with any of the hardware present in the operating theatre as these drapes are also used to cover the equipment in the operating theatre.

What are the types of surgical drapes?

The knowledge about surgical drapes is incomplete without knowing about their different types. Its types depend on the material from which these surgical drapes are made of. Mostly, surgical drapes are made using cotton but these are often made of polyester and nonwoven. Each material has its pros and cons and should be considered carefully before choosing the right surgical drape for the surgical procedure. Also, these surgical drapes can either be disposable or reusable. The selection of the right surgical drape depends upon the needs of the patients but these surgical drapes should provide some basic benefits including infection resistance, airflow, comfort, and durability.

• Reusable surgical drapes

As the name suggests, these surgical drapes can be washed and used again. These reusable surgical drapes contain a hole between them.

• Disposable surgical drapes

Disposable surgical drapes can be made of paper or plastic. These drapes are disposed of after use and are becoming increasingly famous among surgeons. Paper disposable drapes also provide the facility for the surgeon to cut an opening of any shape or size into the surgical drape. Plastic adhesive tapes are opaque. This quality helps the surgeon in clear visualization of the patient.

Opaque surgical drape

Key factors about surgical drapes

No matter the type of surgical drape used, these surgical drapes must conform to some basic key factors. These key factors are the basic benefits that these surgical drapes should provide. Some of the key factors of surgical drapes are as follows.

• Infection resistance

The primary purpose of using surgical drapes is to protect the patient from any potential risks of infection. No matter the type of surgical drape used for the surgical procedure, the drape should provide resistance to infections during or after the surgery. Fewer risks of infection decrease the complications and help in faster recovery.

• Durability

The surgical drapes that are used in the surgical procedure must be durable. It means that these surgical drapes should have less risk of tearing and damage which helps to reduce complications. These surgical drapes should be durable enough to be used in long operations.

• Moisture management

The surgical drapes should manage moisture effectively. This will help to decrease the risk of infection. Also, these surgical drapes should provide resistance against stains and fading.

• Comfortable

The surgical drape that is used should be comfortable for the patient. The surgical patient should be provided all the care and comfort he needs to help in a faster recovery of the patient. Apart from faster recovery, it can also make it easy for the patient to bear the pain and discomfort caused by the surgical procedure. The surgical drape can help to ensure ease for the patient and decrease discomfort also.

Surgical drapes fabrics

• Airflow

The patient should be protected from overheating and excessive moisture buildup. For this reason, the surgical drapes should provide maximum airflow. This can help to protect the patient from any complications.

• Hygiene

Hygiene is one of the most important factors that should be followed strictly to prevent infection and complications. Unhygienic conditions can cause severe complications for patients. For this reason, the surgical drapes should be kept neat and clean to ensure the safety of the patient.

• Flexibility

The surgical drapes should be flexible enough to cover the patient and equipment. This will help to ensure the maximum safety of the patient during the surgeries. If the surgical drape is not flexible enough it can cause exposure of the patient’s skin to any harmful bacteria that can cause infections and complications.

Conclusion

Surgical drapes are extremely important in surgical procedures as these drapes provide a sterile barrier between the patient and any harmful bacteria. For this reason, surgical drapes are used in all surgical procedures to ensure the safety of the patient.

Apart from safety reasons, these surgical drapes reduce the risks of complications. Minimized risks of complications increase the chances of faster recovery of the patient. These surgical drapes are available in reusable and disposable forms.

Choosing the right surgical drape includes several factors that should be considered before the selection of the right surgical drape for the patient. These primary factors include the durability of the drape during the surgical procedure, hygiene of the surgical drapes, comfort of the patient, flexibility of the surgical drape, maximum airflow, and moisture management.

All of these key factors should be considered carefully before the selection of a surgical drape for the patients. This can help to ensure the safety and faster recovery of the patient.