| Surgical drape | |
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 Site of the operation is draped off with sterile towels
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A surgical drape is a sterile sheet used to create a sterile field during surgical procedures. The purpose of a surgical drape is to prevent the spread of infection from non-sterile to sterile areas, as well as to protect the patient from contamination.
The use of surgical drapes is a standard procedure in modern surgery and is recommended by many professional organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Surgical drapes come in various sizes and shapes, and are made of materials that are resistant to penetration by liquids and microorganisms. The drapes are placed over the patient and surrounding areas to create a sterile field. The edges of the drapes are secured with adhesive tape or other means to prevent the drapes from moving during the procedure.
Some studies have shown that the use of surgical drapes reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients, as well as the hospitalization costs. However, other studies suggest the contrary.