Gloving and Gowning
Gowning and gloving is part of the pre-operative rituals between surgical techs, operating room nurses, surgeons, and other providers in the sterile field. As required by Standard Precautions, sterile gowns and gloves are worn to prevent the migration of microbes from the skin and scrub attire of the sterile team member to the sterile field. Additionally, sterile attire prevents blood and body fluids from contaminating the team member. Lastly, sterile attire aids in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) by allowing team members to work within the sterile field. As a reminder OR personnel’s skin, especially the hands, may not be an intact barrier to viral penetration on any given day. Allergic rashes, shearing injuries from suture tying, and weekend sports or other activities may cause unapparent breaks in the skin. Personal protective equipment should be chosen with these factors in mind. Additional considerations like ‘double-gloving’ are always considered best practice additional safety for members of the surgical team.
Dr. goyal is a board-certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Coming from a residency and fellowship training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , dr. goyal since returned to her hometown area in Virginia. Prior to residency, she completed her medical degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
dr. goyal’s clinical surgical interests are in traumatic and oncologic reconstructive microsurgery. I also specialize in breast reconstruction, body contouring procedures, and mommy makeovers.
Dr. goyal and her surgical tech demonstrate excellent practice in the gloving-and-gowning process prior to starting surgery along with a very descriptive demonstration. notice dr. goyal’s very methodical, predictive and deliberate movements, which guides her surgical tech to don both her gown and two sets of gloves.
Changing gloves during surgery
Infection control is important in all surgeries, but even more important during total joint replacements. The teams often wear 'hoods' or 'togas' which both help shield them from debris, but also further protect the patient (there is debate about the efficacy of the hoods). In any case, the team often changes gloves multiple times during the case, including after the patient has been draped - here you will see each team member change gloves prior to opening with the scrub nurse assisting the surgeon don a new pair before she self-gloves herself.
