Preparing for any medical procedure requires strict adherence to instructions, and pre-operative hygiene is a non-negotiable part of this preparation. The instructions from your surgical team are designed to maximize your safety and must be followed precisely. Specific requirements for your procedure supersede any general advice. Always confirm every detail with your surgical facility.
Standard Hair Washing Guidelines Before Surgery
Washing your hair before surgery is a standard requirement, usually performed the night before or the morning of the procedure. The goal is to remove accumulated oils, dirt, and surface microbes from the scalp and hair strands. For most surgeries, simply using your regular shampoo and conditioner is acceptable.
It is imperative that you thoroughly rinse all products from your hair and scalp. After washing, you must avoid applying any hair styling products such as gels, mousse, hairspray, or oils. These products contain chemicals that can be flammable, presenting a hazard when electrosurgical tools are used. They can also leave residues that may interfere with the sterile environment.
The Critical Role of Hygiene in Preventing Surgical Site Infections
The strict pre-operative hygiene ritual is a direct measure against Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), which are a primary concern following any operation. An SSI occurs when microbes enter the incision site, potentially causing complications and delaying recovery. The human skin naturally harbors a large population of bacteria.
To combat this, many facilities instruct patients to use a specialized antiseptic wash, often containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG), on the body from the neck down. This chemical antiseptic is effective against a broad range of microbes. CHG works by binding to the skin, where it continues to reduce the bacterial count for several hours after washing. Reducing the number of microorganisms on the skin’s surface greatly diminishes the chance of bacteria migrating into the surgical wound.
Comprehensive Pre-Operative Prep: Beyond Hair
Pre-operative preparation extends far beyond cleaning your hair and body; it involves a comprehensive list of restrictions designed to protect you during anesthesia and surgery. One important rule is the removal of all nail polish, including gel and acrylic nails, from at least one finger on each hand. This is because nail coverings can interfere with the pulse oximeter, a device clipped to the finger that monitors the oxygen saturation level in your blood.
The oximeter works by passing light through the nail bed, and opaque polish can block the sensor’s ability to accurately read your oxygen status. The absence of polish allows the medical team to visually check the nail beds for cyanosis, a bluish tint that indicates dangerously low oxygen levels. All makeup must also be removed before surgery, as it can be a source of contamination and may cause severe eye irritation under general anesthesia.
You must remove all jewelry and piercings, including rings, earrings, and body piercings, before you arrive. Metal items can interfere with the use of electrosurgical units, which use an electrical current to cut tissue and control bleeding. The current could be diverted through metal jewelry, potentially causing a burn or tissue damage.
Additionally, the following items are prohibited, as they can coat the skin and reduce the effectiveness of the antiseptic washes:
- Lotions.
- Deodorants.
- Perfumes.
- Powders.
A final restriction concerns hair removal at the surgical site. Patients are instructed not to shave the area themselves in the days leading up to surgery. Shaving creates microscopic cuts and abrasions in the skin, which become entry points for bacteria and dramatically increase the risk of an SSI. If hair removal is necessary, it will be performed safely by the surgical staff using specialized clippers shortly before the operation.