Preparation of the Surgeon/Operating Personnel

Unit 3: Surgical Etiquette

There is a correlation between the number of people and their movements, and the number of airborne bacteria in the operating theatre. Therefore it is important to reduce the number and movement of people in and out, and within the surgical theatre.

Only the front of the gown, from mid chest to waist, the sleeves and gloved hands are considered "sterile".

The surgeon and assistant should always be conscious of the “sterile field” and take all precautions to prevent a breakdown in aseptic technique.

Non-sterile personnel should not walk in front or in-between an open sterile trolley.

The first rule of conversation in the operating room is silence!   Noise, whether it is conversation, music or phones ringing are a distraction that interrupts patient care and potentially increases the risk of error.

Any conversation should be kept to the task at hand unless the surgeon initiates conversation however this is not a green light to continue casual conversations.

Personal mobile phones or other devices should not be taken into theatre.