Who introduced the practice of Sterilization of Surgical Instruments?
VerifiedAnswer: Joseph Lister
Explanation:
Joseph Lister, a British surgeon, revolutionized surgical practices in the 1860s by introducing the systematic sterilization of surgical instruments. Known as the "Father of Modern Surgery," Lister was deeply influenced by Louis Pasteur's germ theory, which proved that microorganisms cause infections and diseases.
Before Lister's groundbreaking work, surgical mortality rates were alarmingly high, with many patients dying from post-operative infections rather than the surgery itself. Surgeons would often operate in their regular clothes, reuse instruments without cleaning, and move from patient to patient without washing their hands. The concept of germs causing infections was not widely accepted in the medical community.
In 1865, Lister began implementing antiseptic principles in his surgical practice at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He introduced the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant for surgical instruments, wounds, and dressings. This marked the beginning of antiseptic surgery, which dramatically reduced infection rates and saved countless lives.
Lister's methods included spraying carbolic acid in the operating room, soaking surgical instruments in antiseptic solutions, and ensuring that hands and surgical sites were thoroughly disinfected. He also developed special dressings that maintained sterile conditions around wounds during the healing process.
The results were remarkable. Under Lister's antiseptic system, the mortality rate in his surgical ward dropped from 45% to 15%, and eventually to just 3%. His success proved that preventing infection was more effective than treating it after it occurred.
Initially, many surgeons were skeptical of Lister's methods, viewing them as unnecessary and time-consuming. However, as the evidence of reduced mortality became undeniable, antiseptic surgery gradually gained acceptance worldwide. Lister's principles evolved into modern aseptic techniques, which focus on preventing contamination rather than just killing germs after exposure.
Today, Joseph Lister's legacy lives on in every modern operating room. The sterilization of surgical instruments has become a fundamental standard in medical practice, ensuring patient safety and preventing hospital-acquired infections. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern surgical safety protocols that we consider essential today.
