| Surgical drape | |
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 Site of the operation is draped off with sterile towels |
A surgical drape is a sterile sheet used to create a sterile field during surgical procedures with the purpose of preventing the spread of infection from non-sterile to sterile areas and protecting the patient from contamination.
The use of surgical drapes is a standard procedure in modern surgery and is recommended by many professional organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1] [2]
Surgical drapes come in various shapes and sizes, including those that are made of materials 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. The use of surgical drape not only serves to protect the surgical site, but also expands the sterile field, allowing surgical team members to place sterile supplies onto them. [3]
Some studies have shown that the use of surgical drapes reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), which are suggested to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients, as well as hospitalization costs. [4] [5]
Surgical drapes today
There are several different types of surgical drapes in use: [6]
Incise Drape
An adhesive surgical drape that sticks to the site of operation, covering exposed areas, creating a sterile area. The surgeon cuts through both layers and into the area of operation, with the antimicrobial component of the film sterilizing the incision. Based on the type of incise drape, some include this antimicrobial component while others are just polymer films. Regardless both types of drapes allow for protection of the exposed region. [7]
Fenestrated drapes
A type of surgical drape that is typically used for minor incisions or procedures as it has a cutout in the place of operation. Specifically, this "patch" is composed of two absorbent layers of tissue with a polyethene film in between. [8]
Split drapes
Split drapes feature an open region that allows a medical professional to isolate any area they want to operate on. The split drape is usually intended to cover the whole body as it is typically used for larger operations. Split drapes include fluid resistance, also known as impermeability, and is a more flexible option for surgeons. [9]
U-drapes
Hence the name, the u-drape has a "u" shape cut-out that is typically used for incisions concerning the head or neck. This type of drape has a shape allows for flexible positioning while maintaining a sterile surrounding for the incision. [10]
Orthopedic drapes
The fabric of these drapes allows for larger limbs to be operated on - equipped with a denser material and "pockets" that collect fluids. Hence the name, these drapes are used for orthopedic operations, these types of drapes also cater to flexibility regarding placement around tubes and wiring. [11]
References
- ^ "Global guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection, 2nd ed".
- ^ Title : Guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection, 1999 Personal Author(s) : Mangram, Alicia J.;Horan, Teresa C.;Pearson, Michele L.;Silver, Leah Christine;Jarvis, William R. (William Robert), 1948-; Corporate Authors(s) : National Center for Infectious Diseases. Hospital Infections Program.;Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (U.S.); Published Date : April 1999 Source : Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1999 Apr;20(4):250-78; quiz 279-80. URL : https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/7160
- ^ https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/About_Us/Standard_Surgical_Drapes.pdf
- ^ Karapınar, K.; Kocatürk, Celalettin İbrahim (2019). "The Effectiveness of Sterile Wound Drapes in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Thoracic Surgery". BioMed Research International. 2019: 1–6. doi: 10.1155/2019/1438793. PMC 6388313. PMID 30886857.
- ^ Mangram, AJ; Horan, TC; Pearson, ML; Silver, LC; Jarvis, WR (1999). "Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee". American Journal of Infection Control. 27 (2): 97–132. doi: 10.1016/S0196-6553(99)70088-X. PMID 10196487.
- ^ "Types of Surgical Drapes". Xinle Huabao Medical Products Co., Ltd. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Incise Drapes – 1 – Atul Drug House". Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Sterile Fenestrated Minor Procedure Drape w / Adhesive Patch – Welcome to Busse Hospital Disposables". Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "BARRIER Split sheet drapes for a large variety procedures | Mölnlycke". www.molnlycke.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "What is a U split drape used for?". www.medicaldrape.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Orthopedic Hand Drapes | HALYARD". products.halyardhealth.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.