Surgeons cut people open and treat diseases through operations. Because of this, they make sure that there is no risk of bacterial infection or contamination — the lives of patients are at stake.
We imagine surgeons and operating room personnel wearing scrubs, rubber clogs, gowns, and gloves. All of these are used to block dirt, microbes, and particles from their hands and bodies.
But during the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of surgical masks is amplified both in the health care industry and the public’s consciousness.
It may be hard to believe, but the mouth is the dirtiest part of the human body. It is the home of billions of bacteria that thrive in the bits of food that we chew and swallow. Also, saliva can transmit viruses like common colds, rotavirus, hepatitis, and SARS-Cov-2.
Surgeons wear surgical masks to shield the patients from droplet transmissions, infections, and contamination. These also protect the sterile environment of the operating room including all of the professionals who work there routinely.
Why are masks important for surgeons?
Masks are important for surgeons because they protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with blood and other body fluids. Masks also protect the patient from contact with the surgeon’s respiratory secretions.
Masks are typically worn during surgery to prevent the spread of infection from the surgeon to the patient. Masks are also worn by surgeons to protect themselves from exposure to blood and other body fluids.
Masks are typically made of a material that filters out large particles, such as bacteria. Masks may also be treated with an antimicrobial agent to further reduce the risk of infection.
While masks are important for protecting both surgeons and patients, it is important to note that they are not foolproof. Masks should be worn in conjunction with other precautions, such as washing hands and using sterile techniques, to further reduce the risk of infection.
Surgeons sometimes have allergies or get sick, too
Surgeons sometimes have allergies or get sick, too. If a surgeon has an illness like cold or flu, what could be a minor sickness could become something much worse when they’re in the operating room with their hands inside someone’s body.
The masks also protect patients from germs. Surgeons wear gloves and gowns to protect themselves from germs, but these items can only do so much. It’s difficult to avoid touching some parts of the body during surgery, so germs can still get into the air and spread around the OR. The mask helps prevent this by keeping germs from getting into the air when surgeons speak or breathe out.
Masks are crucial in containing infectious microorganisms
Surgeons and operating room personnel stand for hours during surgeries. As they open their mouths, droplets and microbes might fall on the patient lying on the operating table.
They might also infect the tools they use to make incisions and adjustments on the body they are treating.
Furthermore, their surgical patients are likely immunocompromised — they suffer from a weakened or damaged immune system. Hence, surgical masks can protect such patients from infections and severe communicable diseases.
Masks protect their wearers without compromising their breathing
While masks limit bacteria, droplets, and other liquids from the surgeons’ mouth and nose, they do not impede their breathing. Surgeons and physicians can wear them for several hours without feeling discomfort, asthmatic, or short of oxygen.
Masks remind wearers from touching their nose and mouth
Surgeons follow strict guidelines on what they may touch and hold during operations. They must meet rigid sterile field protocols and safety measures as well.
Surgeons are humans too — they might forget these as they operate for long and exhausting hours. But touching their face is a serious breach of these rules. Masks help remind them so by covering their nose and mouth, lessening the risks of infections.
Masks shield the face of surgeons from surgical residue
Surgical operations can be messy. Blood, pus, and internal body waste can splash from the patient, hitting the surgeons and the operating room personnel.
Because of this, surgical masks are vital for the wearers’ safety. These can protect them from these harmful substances in the operating room. Such masks can also prevent accidental ingestions and exposure from their patients’ body liquids.
What is the history of surgeons wearing masks?
Masks have been a traditional part of medicine and surgeries. At our present time, patients expect physicians and surgeons to wear them during check-ups, treatment sessions, and surgical operations.
How is mask-wearing deeply ingrained in the culture of surgeons and their careers? This is the history of mask-wearing in the medical and surgical community.
Even before the science of medicine had been formalized in the 19th century, doctors covered their mouths and noses to avoid contagious diseases. But they did it for the wrong reason: they believed that illnesses spread through smelly air called miasma. Because of this, they laced their masks with spices and perfumes, thinking that the fragrance will defeat the cause of diseases.
But in 1867, Joseph Lister shared a revolutionary insight to the British medical community. He rejected the miasma and introduced the germ theory. Lister declared that diseases are not caused by the smell of waste and rotting corpses: they are brought by microscopic germs.
The germ theory transformed surgery. Surgeons started using antiseptic substances and techniques to kill microbes and prevent wound infections. They also realized that they might be carriers of these germs, especially their hands and tools.
Discoveries in the following years found out that disease-causing microbes not only spread through physical touch. Surgeons in the University of Breslau (in Poland) realized that respiratory droplets can transmit bacteria. In 1897, a few surgeons from Poland and France wore face masks out of gauze tied with strings.
Wearing face masks during surgeries was adopted throughout the Western nations, and they carried this practice to their colonies and territories.
The importance of wearing face masks was emphasized during plagues and pandemics. Medical workers wore this protection during an outbreak in China in 1910 followed by the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918.
At first, face masks were only worn in the operating room and hospitals. However, during the 1918 pandemic, mandatory face mask regulations were imposed on physicians, nurses, policemen, and residents. These restrictions are linked to lower influenza death rates in San Francisco, California, among many other cities in the United States.
By 1935, it is estimated that most surgeons and operating room personnel had already worn masks routinely during surgeries.
Three decades later, the medical community began using disposable face masks made with synthetic components. These can be utilized only once since their fabric break over repeated use and sterilization.
Furthermore, these face masks can filter both incoming and outgoing air, blocking droplets and microbes. Also in the 60s, disposable surgical instruments and syringes were developed and manufactured. These reduced hospital costs and delays.
What are the diseases blocked by surgical face masks?
Because of the recent pandemic, surgical face masks are associated with the SARS-corona virus.
- Flu virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Type 1 herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Cytomegalovirus
Masks protect both surgeons and patients
The CDC recommends the use of face masks for all medical staff. Surgical masks are recommended for doctors, nurse practitioners, medical assistants and other medical staff who are in close proximity to patients. Surgical masks also protect patients from exposure to the surgical site which can reduce the risk of infection. Masks protect the wearer Masks are also effective in protecting the wearer.
Face masks can protect doctors and other medical staff from exposure to body fluids and other infectious materials. Masks can also protect the wearer from exposure to airborne particles, such as dust and pollen. Face masks can also protect the wearer from exposure to airborne viruses, such as influenza.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why surgeons wear masks. The most important reason is to protect themselves and their patients from infection. Masks also help to keep surgical sites clean and prevent the spread of bacteria. In addition, masks can help to reduce the amount of surgical smoke that is inhaled by both the surgeon and the patient. Therefore, wearing a mask during surgery is beneficial for both the surgeon and the patient. We hope that this article has helped you understand why surgeons wear masks and the importance of doing so.
FAQs
1.Why do surgeons wear masks?
Masks are worn to protect the wearer from exposure to blood and other body fluids. Masks also protect other people in the operating room from exposure to the surgeon’s respiratory droplets.
- How often do surgeons need to wear masks?
Surgeons typically wear masks when they are scrubbing in for surgery. Masks are also worn during surgery if the surgeon anticipates that they will be exposed to blood or other body fluids.
- What type of mask do surgeons wear?
Surgeons typically wear a surgical mask. This type of mask is designed to protect the wearer from exposure to blood and other body fluids.
- How do surgeons keep their masks from fogging up?
Surgeons typically use a surgical mask with an anti-fog strip. This strip helps to prevent the mask from fogging up.
- Do masks protect the surgeon from exposure to the patient’s blood?
Yes, masks protect the surgeon from exposure to the patient’s blood.
