Surgical drapes come in a variety of ranges, shapes, and sizes. They are required to be present as they assist in a variety of ways ranging from covering utilities to securing the body of the patient.
Medical examination and operations require a certain barrier to be created. This barrier creates an isolated environment that covers the patient and prevents the surrounding environment from getting affected. Further, it also ensures the privacy of the patients.
Best Surgical drapes are needed to create a certain sterile environment. This is to prevent any form of possible infections. These drapes come in two varieties –disposable and non-disposable. However, drapes of any sorts must be sterile at all times.
Furthermore, it is upon these sterile drapes that the surgical implements and utilities are placed. The entire design of the operation table and the patient are dressed carefully in drapes. This is done in such a manner that the site of incision remains isolated and unexposed.
Draping materials
They are required to be chosen carefully. Ideally, any draping material needs to be resistant to blood, aqueous fluids and be able to prevent abrasions as much as possible.
These materials need to be of specifically designed materials that maintain an isothermal environment in consonance with the body’s temperature.
They need also to carry the standardized certifications for quality and durability purposes. It is important that drapes withstand the dynamic environment of surgery.
The different kinds of drapes are:
• Reusable drapes
They are required to be rigorously cleaned using steam and laundry and sterilization cycles. This process usually swells up the fabric of the drape, and it is through the ironing process that it is shrunk back. In most cases the quality of reusable drapes starts going down after 75 washes of this kind.
• Disposable drapes
It performs the function of any drape. That is preventing the penetration of microorganisms and fluid breakthrough. They are usually synthetic and extremely light weight. Furthermore, they are ideally soft, static free, non-irritating, moisture -resistant, and light-weight. Moreover, they reduce the risk of infections as they are disposed of immediately after use.
• Plastic incision drapes
These are made up of polyvinyl sheets. They are impermeable and much sought after by the surgeons. They are ideal for irregular surfaces on the human body. Such as the joints, ears, neck, et cetera.
• Standard drapes
These are large and singular in structure. Ideally, these are used for covering operating table, instruments tables, regions of the body, et cetera. These drapes assist in creating the operating environment more secure.
• Perineal drape
They are used for operations that are conducted on or around the region of the genitalia and the perineum in the lithotomy position. They consist of a fenestrated sheet and two triangular leggings. Also, they are available in disposable and non-disposable formats. It is suitable for delivery, cystoscopy, and vaginal procedures.
Finally, it is important to understand that sanitation in any environment and especially in an operation room is of the utmost importance. Operating rooms need to be specially prepared, and thus, a range of surgical drapes are required to prevent the spillage and spread of any infectious elements.
