Understanding the required attire is a common consideration for patients preparing for surgery. Clothing worn during a surgical procedure is a strictly controlled necessity driven by patient safety, infection control, and the need for immediate medical access. The temporary clothing and accessories provided are designed to facilitate the procedure and ensure the highest level of care before, during, and immediately following your time in the operating room.
The Standard Surgical Garment
The primary item of clothing is the hospital gown, engineered specifically for medical functionality. These gowns are typically constructed from thin, washable cotton or a disposable non-woven synthetic blend. This material choice allows the garment to be easily laundered at high temperatures or disposed of, supporting rigorous hygiene standards.
The design features large openings, usually at the back, secured with simple ties or snaps, allowing staff immediate access for placing monitoring equipment or administering IV lines. The material also lacks features like zippers or metal snaps that could interfere with imaging equipment or pose a risk during electrical procedures.
Patients are generally instructed to remove all clothing, including undergarments, before putting on the surgical gown. A complete change is often required to maintain the sterile field, though policies vary. Despite the open nature of the gown, medical staff use blankets and drapes to maintain the patient’s modesty and dignity throughout the preparation and transport process.
Essential Accessories for Patient Safety
Non-slip socks are provided as a mandatory component of patient attire, often brightly colored with rubberized treads on the soles. These socks prevent patient falls on smooth hospital floors, which is a serious risk for individuals who may be disoriented, sedated, or weak from fasting or medication.
The patient identification band is a foundational element of safety protocol. This non-removable wristband typically contains at least two unique identifiers, such as the patient’s full name, date of birth, and a medical record number. Medical personnel verify this information against the patient’s chart and treatment plan before administering medication or beginning any procedure.
Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs) are specialized devices designed to regulate blood flow. These inflatable sleeves wrap around the legs and rhythmically inflate and deflate to mimic the natural pumping action of leg muscles. This mechanical compression prevents blood from pooling in the lower extremities, significantly lowering the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) caused by prolonged immobility.
To uphold the sterile environment, patients are given a disposable hair covering, or bonnet, to wear. This measure is a contamination control strategy to contain stray hairs and accompanying microorganisms from the patient’s scalp. Preventing the shedding of microscopic particles onto the surgical field directly reduces the risk of a surgical site infection.
Mandatory Removal of Personal Items
Before entering the operating room, patients must remove all personal items, a requirement strictly enforced for medical reasons. Jewelry, including rings and body piercings, must be taken off due to the risk associated with electrocautery devices, which are commonly used to seal blood vessels during surgery. Since metal is an electrical conductor, current from the cautery device could arc to jewelry, causing a severe skin burn at the contact point.
The removal of cosmetics, such as makeup and nail polish, is mandatory because they can obscure vital physiological signs. Anesthesiologists rely on the natural color of the skin, lips, and nail beds to monitor circulation and oxygen saturation. Nail polish and artificial nails also interfere with the function of the pulse oximeter, a device clipped onto the finger that measures blood oxygen levels.
Items like dentures, hearing aids, and eyeglasses must also be removed before general anesthesia is administered. Dentures and other removable dental work can become dislodged during intubation, risking airway obstruction or damage to the throat. Glasses and hearing aids must be safely stored once the patient is unconscious to prevent damage or loss.