What is the purpose of using a surgical drape?

The primary purpose of using a surgical drape is to establish a sterile field. In surgical procedures, maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. Surgical drapes are designed to cover the patient and the surgical area, creating a barrier that controls exposure to microorganisms. By achieving this sterile field, the drapes help protect the surgical site from potential contaminants that could lead to postoperative infections.

While drapes may incidentally provide warmth and contribute to patient comfort, their main objective is not to serve these functions. Reducing glare from surgical lights and providing extra padding for comfort are not primary roles of drapes in a surgical setting. The emphasis remains on sterilization and infection control, which is essential in surgical technology.