Surgical drapes are used during surgeries to create a sterile environment and ensure patient safety. These drapes are carefully designed to cover a patient’s body, the operating area, and nearby surfaces in order to minimize the risk of infection. Understanding the types, materials, and uses of surgical drapes is critical for healthcare providers to ensure safe and efficient surgical outcomes.

Surgical drapes are classified according to several categories depending on their intended use. Sterile drapes are used to cover the patient and the surrounding environment, whereas non-sterile drapes are used to cover non-critical areas. Sterile drapes are essential in any surgery, as they prevent the introduction of pathogens into sterile surgical sites. They are usually made from materials that can be easily sterilized, such as polyethylene or a combination of synthetic fabrics designed to withstand high temperatures and chemical disinfection.

In addition to general draping, specialized drapes can be used for certain body parts or types of surgery. For example, drapes designed for orthopedic surgeries often have cutouts to expose specific limbs while covering the rest of the body, while other procedures, such as cardiovascular surgeries, may require drapes with integrated holes or transparent areas to allow for monitoring of the surgical site ^1–3.

The materials used to make surgical drapes are crucial to their effectiveness, and these materials need to be both durable and sterile. Common fabrics include non-woven polypropylene, which is known for its resistance to liquids and ability to maintain sterility. In addition, some drapes are made with an absorbent layer to manage fluids that may be released during surgery. These fabrics are designed to be soft yet strong, ensuring that they do not tear during the procedure while providing patient comfort.

Many surgical drapes are also impregnated with antimicrobial agents to reduce the risk of infection. This helps to minimize the chances of post-operative infections, a leading cause of complications in surgical recovery. In addition, advancements in material technology have led to the creation of disposable drapes, which are often preferred for certain procedures to cut down on the risk of cross-contamination ^4,5.

The primary purpose of surgical drapes is to maintain a sterile field around the patient during surgery. This is crucial to preventing the entry of microorganisms that could lead to infections. During any surgical procedure, the skin is incised, exposing deeper tissues to the external environment. Without proper sterilization, even minor contaminants can lead to serious infections. Drapes help to create a barrier that not only shields the surgical site but also maintains the sterility of the instruments and environment.

In addition to covering the patient and the surrounding area, drapes are used to ensure that the surgical team adheres to aseptic techniques. The sterile field established by the drapes serves as a guideline for where team members should operate and move, ensuring that they do not inadvertently contaminate the surgical site ^4,6,7.

References

1. Surgical Drapes. HARTMANN GROUP https://www.hartmann.info/en-dx/products/operating-theater/surgical-drapes.

2. Types Of Surgical Drapes | Disposable Patient Drapes Manufacturer. https://www.surgerydrapes.com/products/surgical-drape/.

3. Surgical Drapes | Medline IE. https://www.medline.eu/ie/surgical-drapes.

4. Summary of a systematic review on drapes and gowns. in Global Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection (World Health Organization, 2018).

5. How Surgical Drapes are Made, Tested, and Used? : PSIDispo. https://psidispo.com/blogs/how-surgical-drapes-are-made-tested-and-used/.

6. Webster, J. & Alghamdi, A. Use of plastic adhesive drapes during surgery for preventing surgical site infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015, CD006353 (2015). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006353.pub4

7. Behind the Curtain: The Essential Role of Sterile Surgical Drapes in Infection Control and Patient Safety. https://www.winnermedical.com/behind-the-curtain-the-essential-role-of-sterile-surgical-drapes-in-infection-control-and-patient-safety.html.