Aseptic Surgery

What is aseptic surgery?

Aseptic surgery ensures that operations are carried out in sterile conditions.

What was the difference between antiseptic and aseptic surgery?

Antiseptic surgery destroys germs on a surgeon's hands, instruments, and immediate surroundings using chemicals e.g. carbolic acid. Aseptic surgery aims to achieve a completely sterile environment, free from germs, using a combination of measures such as heat and antiseptics.

When was aseptic surgery established?

Aseptic surgery had become common by the year 1900.

What methods were used in aseptic surgery?

There were four key elements to aseptic surgery.

• ❖ Surgeons were scrubbed clean before operating. Today, modern surgeons still 'scrub in' before going into theatre.
• ❖ Surgeons wore new clothes and a fresh pair of thin rubber gloves for each operation.
• ❖ All instruments used during surgery were sterilised beforehand, using steam.
• ❖ The size of operating theatres got smaller, to reduce the risk of infection, and spectators were no longer allowed.