Antiseptics

Antiseptics

Methods used to kill germs near surgical wounds, pioneered by Joseph Lister to reduce infection rates during operations.

Asepsis

Surgical methods aiming to prevent germs from getting near the wound, creating a germ-free environment to reduce infection risks.

Ignaz Semmelweis

Demonstrated the importance of handwashing with chloride of lime solution between patients to reduce the spread of infection, though it was not widely adopted initially.

Joseph Lister

Introduced the use of carbolic acid as an antiseptic in the operating theatre, leading to decreased infection rates during surgeries.

Germ Theory

The concept that germs can be present in the air, on surgical instruments, and hands, prompting the use of antiseptics to combat infections during medical procedures.

Aseptic Surgery

A method focusing on maintaining a germ-free environment in the operating theatre by sterilizing instruments, ensuring staff wear sterile attire, and keeping the surroundings clean to reduce infection risks.

Surgical Gloves

Invented by William Halsted in 1889, these gloves are worn by theatre staff to maintain aseptic conditions during surgeries and reduce the risk of infections.