Preparing and equipping the patient for surgery

Proper skin preparation is crucial to minimize the risk of infection and ensure a sterile surgical field.

Required Equipment:

• Skin preparation tools
• Sterile water
• Sterile gloves
• Antiseptic skin solution

Steps:

1. Open the skin preparation equipment and place it on a small table or trolley next to the operating table.
2. Pour sterile water into the preparation basin, which contains soap, gauze, and sponges.
3. Pour antiseptic solution into a separate basin, which contains only sponges.
4. Ask the anesthesiologist for approval before starting the preparation process.
5. Expose the surgical site by removing or adjusting the patient’s clothing.
• Confirm the correct surgical site (limb or body part).
6. Place a sterile drape or dressing above and below the area to be prepared.
7. Wear sterile gloves.
8. Prepare two sterile gauze pieces.
9. Use a sterile sponge to clean the surgical site in a circular motion.
• Keep one hand in contact with the surgical site throughout the preparation.
10. Simultaneously, use the other hand to clean the surrounding area with a sponge and soap using a circular motion:
• Move your hand upward slowly while massaging the skin.
• Continue this process for 3 minutes.
• Ensure a large area around the surgical site is prepared.
11. After cleaning:
• Dispose of the used sponge.
• Place a sterile drape over the cleaned area.
• If one drape is insufficient, request another from the assisting nurse.
12. Apply an antiseptic solution using sterile forceps or a sterile clamp:
• Take a sponge soaked in antiseptic.
• Start from the incision site, moving outward in circular motions.
• Do not reuse the same sponge on the incision area.
• Dispose of the used sponge and take a fresh sterile sponge from the preparation basin.
13. If the surgical site is contaminated (e.g., perianal region or colostomy site):
• Place a sponge over the anus before cleaning.
• Begin cleaning from the surrounding area first while keeping a sponge over the contaminated site.
14. For colostomy cases, disinfect using a stool removal basin before continuing with standard antiseptic procedures.
15. When using an antiseptic:
• Place a sponge over the contaminated site (e.g., anus), then proceed with the usual disinfection steps.
• Ensure the contaminated area is fully disinfected before removing the sponge.
16. Remove and discard the used drapes or covers after completing the skin preparation.
17. Clear all preparation equipment and ensure the operating room remains sterile and clean.