It is a common question for patients preparing for an operation: whether personal sanitary products, such as pads or liners, can be worn during the procedure. The direct answer is that for nearly all planned surgeries involving general anesthesia or deep sedation, external absorbent products brought from home must be removed before entering the operating room. This requirement is a standard, non-negotiable safety protocol designed to protect the patient during the procedure.
Standard Hospital Policy Regarding External Absorbents
Hospitals enforce a universal protocol that requires the removal of all personal items, including clothing, jewelry, and any external absorbent products, before a surgical procedure begins. This includes standard feminine hygiene pads, panty liners, and even disposable absorbent underwear or diapers. The removal is a necessary step in preparing a patient for the unique environment of the operating theater.
This protocol applies regardless of the product’s absorbency level or the specific type of surgery being performed. The healthcare team must ensure the patient’s body is free of any foreign materials that could interfere with monitoring equipment or pose a safety hazard.
Medical and Safety Concerns
The primary reason for removing personal pads relates directly to the use of electrosurgical units (ESUs), which are devices frequently used during surgery to cut tissue and control bleeding. These tools work by passing a high-frequency electrical current through the patient’s body. To safely complete this circuit, a dispersive electrode, commonly called a grounding pad, is applied to a large, clean area of the patient’s skin, often on the thigh or back.
An external absorbent pad can interfere with the placement or function of this grounding pad. The adhesive, plastic backing, and absorbent gels in personal pads can obstruct the necessary clean, dry skin contact required for the grounding pad to disperse the electrical current effectively. If the current is not safely dispersed, it can concentrate in a small area, leading to an increased risk of severe electrical burns to the patient at the site of the interference.
Furthermore, materials like cotton, plastic, and paper pulp found in personal pads are flammable. When electrosurgical tools are in use, they can generate heat and sparks, posing a fire risk if they come into contact with such materials.
Pre-Surgery Preparation and Available Alternatives
Patients should always communicate with their pre-operative nurse or surgical team if they are menstruating or expecting significant discharge. Sharing this information is routine and helps the staff prepare the necessary logistical support. Open communication ensures the care team can provide appropriate alternatives without compromising safety.
The hospital provides specific, non-interfering absorbent materials designed for use in the operating room and recovery area. These alternatives often include non-adhesive absorbent bed pads, sometimes called “Chux” pads, placed underneath the patient on the operating table. In the immediate post-operative recovery phase, staff may provide specialized, non-adhesive pads or disposable mesh underwear.