Why Are Surgical Gowns Important?

Surgical gowns are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any general surgery procedure. They’re used to protect your operating room from germs and other contaminants, particularly when it comes to procedures that involve open wounds like surgery or an invasive medical procedure. They also help keep you and everyone else in the room as germ-free as possible during surgery by helping to prevent the spread of dirt and microbes from the skin to the skin. Getting dirty while you’re working can be distracting and slow down your workflow, so using a surgical gown prevents this from happening right away.


Types of Surgical Gowns
There are a few different types of surgical gowns that can be used in different situations. One is a disposable surgical gown that’s used only once and then thrown away. Disposable gowns are typically made of a synthetic material that’s thin and transparent enough to allow you to see what you’re doing. While disposable gowns are convenient and easy to use, they’re also quite expensive. A good quality surgical gown can last for years as long as you take proper care of it, but disposable gowns typically don’t have a long lifespan. Another type of surgical gown is a reusable gown that’s typically made of cotton or polyester. These types of gowns are much more durable and cheaper than disposable ones. You can wash cotton gowns and they’ll usually last you several surgeries before they need to be replaced.

Why Are Surgical Gowns Important?
Gowns are important because they provide extra protection during a medical procedure. Surgical gowns protect your skin by preventing any dirt or germs from getting on you. This is particularly important when you’re working on open wounds, like during surgery. You don’t want to get dirt or germs on your hands while helping to mend the problem, so wearing a gown makes sure that doesn’t happen. The most common type of gown that surgeons use is a disposable polypropylene (PP) gown. These gowns are relatively inexpensive and convenient, but they’re also quite expensive. You have to buy new gowns for every procedure, so this adds up quickly. There are also some disadvantages to polypropylene gowns. They’re not very breathable, so your hands can get sweaty inside them and it can be hard to see what you’re doing. Reusable gowns are much more durable, but they’re also much more expensive. They’re the best option if you or your hospital are willing to invest in a good-quality gown that’ll last you several surgeries.

Signs of a Good Surgical Gown
 - The gown doesn’t keep falling off.

 - The gown fits snugly and comfortably.

 - The gown has no rips or tears.

 - The gown doesn’t ride up and expose your skin.

 - There are no holes or loose threads in the gown.

 - There are no stains on the gown or in the room.

 - You can see what you’re doing while wearing the gown.

 - You can comfortably move around and work while wearing the gown.

 - The room doesn’t smell like the gown.


How Do You Know if a Surgical Gown is Bad?
If you’re wearing a disposable surgical gown and you can see through it like it’s transparent, it’s probably too thin. Thinner gowns will be less expensive and more convenient, but they won’t be as protective against germs. You should try on a few different gowns to find the one that fits comfortably, keeps you warm and also protects you from germs. You may also be able to tell if the gown is bad just by how it smells or how it feels. If you’re wearing a reusable surgical gown and it smells like it’s been washed, or if it feels good to the touch, it’s probably in good condition. Make sure you feel the seams to see if they’re sewn together tightly or if they’re beginning to come apart. Make sure there aren’t any holes in the gown.


How to Choose the Right Surgical Gown for Your Needs?
 - Make sure the gown is designed for the procedure you’re doing.

 - Make sure the gown is made of a durable material that’s comfortable to wear and won’t smell.

 - Make sure the gown fits properly.

 - Make sure the gown is priced appropriately.

 - Make sure the lab that’s providing the gown is certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 - Make sure the gown is machine washable.

 - Make sure the gown is sized properly to fit the health care worker. - Make sure the gown is properly stored and maintained.

 - Make sure the gown is readily available.

 - Make sure the gown is free from potential hazards.

 - Make sure the gown is replaceable.


What Type of Material Should You Look for in a Surgical Gown?
PP stands for polypropylene and is the most common type of synthetic material used in surgical gowns. PP is extremely durable, but it also dries out very quickly. It’s not very breathable, so your hands will likely get sweaty inside it. Some hospitals and clinics use 100% cotton surgical gowns, but these are typically more expensive and more difficult to clean than PP gowns. Cotton gowns can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly. If you have the option, choose a synthetic surgical gown over a cotton one. A surgical gown should be made from a breathable material that’s also durable. A good material will wick away sweat while also helping to prevent bacteria from growing. Make sure the material is antimicrobial, which means that it’s resistant to the growth of bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobial gowns are best because they can be washed easily without losing their effectiveness.


Final Tips
Before you begin your surgical procedure, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them well. If you’re wearing a surgical gown in the operating room, make sure that it covers your shoulders and chest completely, and that it doesn’t ride up or expose your skin. Make sure you have enough time to change into your gown before you begin your procedure. If you have any questions about the gown you wear, speak with your general surgeon or the staff in the surgical department. They’ll be able to let you know what to look out for when wearing the gown and help you take care of it properly.