In many countries, purpose built or modern operating theatres are not always available. However, with the right clinical knowledge and execution, high standards of surgery are still possible, even in the most basic of settings.
At the heart of success is establishing and maintaining effective aseptic techniques. There are various factors that can influence whether microorganisms are able to colonise and cause infection, and these involve the surgical personnel, the patient and the environment.
This section takes you through the important concepts related to asepsis, sterilisation, sources of contamination and factors that can influence whether a wound will become infected. Finally we explore the considerations for maintaining asepsis in the operating environment and we review the principles of surgery (Halstead's Principles), all of which contribute to achieving a successful surgical outcome.