Regardless of the nature of the procedure, many necessary safety measures are taken to avoid surgical site infections (SSIs). These include sterile drapes from the patient, their surroundings and the surgical team wearing sterile clothing. Disposable surgical drapes and disposable surgical gowns are considered medical products and play a vital role in preventing infection.
During surgery, use sterile surgical drapes to prevent contact with unprepared surfaces and maintain sterility of surfaces, equipment, and the patient’s surroundings. Likewise, the surgical team should wear sterile surgical gowns over hand-washing gowns during surgery to maintain sterility of the surgical field and reduce the risk of pathogen transmission to patients and staff.
The materials of surgical gowns and surgical drapes can be multi-purpose or disposable. Within both categories, there is considerable variation in design and performance characteristics, reflecting the necessary trade-offs in terms of economy, comfort, and the degree of protection required for a particular procedure.
Earlier, this garment was made of an all-cotton material commonly known as muslin. It is considered very suitable for use in healthcare because it appears to provide a satisfactory sterile barrier, is readily available, and is economical to use. However, in 1952, although the cotton material was an effective bacterial barrier when dry, it lost its barrier function when it became wet, even when used in multiple layers, drawing the attention of surgical specialists.
During surgery, if the barrier material becomes wet, the risk of pathogen transmission increases. Therefore, multi-purpose or single-purpose materials for drapes and gowns used in surgery must avoid fluid penetration. Reusable materials are typically made from a variety of tightly woven textiles and/or knitted cotton, or other fabrics that can be blended with polyester or/or chemically treated. These products need to maintain their durability and provide protection even after many cycles of processing and handling. Disposable surgical drapes and gowns typically consist of synthetic and/or natural nonwovens, possibly incorporating chemical treatments.
