Preparing and equipping the patient for surgery

1. Remove the patient's clothing and move the blanket to just below the area that needs preparation.

2. Place a towel or cover on the edge of the blanket and fold it.

3. Prepare the surgical area for the scalpel by expanding the preparation area as much as possible.

4. To disinfect the area, use a colorless antiseptic such as Cetrimide or Savlon.

5. Dispose of the used gauze.

6. Use a new sponge to clean the recipient surgical site, expanding the area as much as possible.

7. The sponge used for the donor site should not be used for the recipient site.