Surgeons wear medical scrubs with or without a white lab coat when outside of the surgery room. In the surgery room, surgeons will wear surgical gowns, masks, gloves, and caps. These garments allow for easy movement and can be easily laundered.
They are also relatively cheap, so they are easy to replace if needed.
Gloves are the most common type of personal protective equipment and are considered a barrier, protecting both the patient and the doctor from the transfer of harmful microorganisms.
Surgeons will always use gloves when working on a patient. They will hygienically prepare their hands before gloving and clean again after removing them.
Surgeons will typically also wear over-shoe covers. These are important as they help maintain a sanitary environment by eliminating tracks in dirt and microbes. They protect the surgeon from accidental spills and bodily fluids. Shoe covers should always be used when entering the operating room. Dedicated surgical boots may also be used.
Surgical caps are an essential part of a surgeon's uniform in the operating room. Even freshly washed hair can carry loads of bacteria. The surgical cap minimizes the risk of hair falling into the sterile area during the surgery. It is important to ensure that all of your hair is covered by the surgical cap before entering the operating room.
A face mask, visor, or glasses should be worn to protect against the transfer of harmful microorganisms present, including organisms in:
Saliva
Nasal discharge
Facial hair
Puss
Blood
Bodily secretions or excretions
This equipment protects the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during the procedure and other patient-care activities that may cause splashes or sprays of blood or other fluids. Masks should be worn at the scrub sinks and at all times in the operating room.
Surgical gowns are another important protective item that is typically used during surgical procedures. These gowns play an essential role in maintaining aseptic conditions and blocking the transfer of harmful microorganisms and chemicals. They are particularly useful in blocking the transfer of bacteria from the skin into the air.
Wearing surgical gowns is of the utmost importance because there will always be microorganisms present on or in the human skin, even with following strict hygienic and sterile scrubbing procedures.
