Preparation of the Surgeon/Operating Theatre Personnel

Introduction

Whilst operating personnel have the potential to be a major cause of microbial contamination during surgery, a properly scrubbed surgeon, correctly dressed, rarely contaminates a surgical wound unless one of the barriers to contamination fails.

Both non-sterile and sterile barriers should be used to minimize contamination of the surgical site by the surgeon and the attendant operating theatre personnel. Correct surgical "etiquette" is also essential in maintaining the integrity of these barriers throughout the procedure.