1 janv. 1890 - Asepsis

Description:

By the late 1890s, Lister's antiseptic methods had developed into aseptic surgery. To ensure cleanliness and a germ-free environment during surgery:
- Instruments are carefully sterilised before use with high temperature steam.
- Theatre staff sterilise their hands before entering, and wear sterile gowns, masks, gloves and hats. Surgical gloves were invented by William Halsted in 1889.
- The theatres themselves are kept scrupulously clean and fed with sterile air. Special tents can be placed around the operating table to maintain an area of even stricter hygiene in high-risk cases.
- Aseptic surgery reduced the need for a carbolic spray, which is unpleasant for surgeons to use on their skin.

Antiseptics and asepsis solved the problem of infection. This, combined with the use of anaesthetics to stop pain, were absolutely pivotal in the improvement of British surgery.

Ajouté au bande de temps:

Date: