Introduction
This topic covers antisepsis: how the idea developed historically, and the mechanical, physical, chemical and biological means used to destroy or suppress microorganisms in wounds, in tissues, and on the skin and hands of the surgical team and patient. Antisepsis is the basis for preventing surgical site infection, a common and serious postoperative complication.
Definition and place in surgery
Antisepsis is a set of measures that destroy or inhibit microorganisms already present in a wound, in tissues, on the skin or on the hands. It is distinct from asepsis, which aims to prevent microorganisms from entering the operative field at all. The two are complementary and together form the basis of infection control in surgery.
Historical development
Before these advances, wound suppuration and sepsis were regarded as almost inevitable, and operative mortality was very high. Lister's method reduced infection considerably. Later, the shift toward aseptic technique made routine use of strong antiseptic sprays largely unnecessary, although antiseptics remain essential for skin, hands and wounds.