Care of Surgical Instruments: Maintaining Longevity and Preventing Infection
Proper care and maintenance of medical and surgical instruments are crucial to ensure their longevity and prevent the risk of infections.
Dirty or rusty instruments not only become difficult to sterilize but also break before their expected lifespan. In this article,
we will discuss the care of stainless steel instruments, as they are the most commonly used in surgical procedures.
Stainless steel is the material of choice for surgical instruments due to its smooth surface.
However, even the finest stainless steel instruments can become pitted and stained if not handled with care during washing, cleaning, polishing, and lubrication.
Rough handling or the use of abrasive cleaning agents can leave permanent marks on the surface of these instruments.
To begin with, all instruments should be cleaned immediately after use.
Using a brush under running cool water is recommended, as very hot water can cause coagulation of blood and exudates, making subsequent cleaning more difficult.
If available, an ultrasonic cleaning bath with instrument detergents can ensure thorough cleaning and maintain a high polish on the instruments.
However, it is important to note that this equipment may only be available in some hospitals.
After washing, it is essential to dry the instruments thoroughly to prevent water from remaining in any joint, which can lead to corrosion and rusting.
Additionally, applying a water-soluble lubricant on the joints before storing the instruments can greatly prolong their useful life.
It is important to avoid soaking instruments in salt solutions, as they are a major cause of pitting. Similarly, allowing a saline solution to dry on an instrument should be avoided.
When cleaning or washing instruments, it is crucial to keep all ratchets unlocked and box joints open. Wire wool or rough brushes should never be used on the surface of instruments, as they can cause damage.
It is important to note that surgical blades and needles may rust and corrode more easily than stainless steel instruments, so the same care guidelines should be followed for them as well.
Instruments made of plastic or cloth can be sterilized by soaking them in warm soapy water with a soft cloth. Alternatively, they can be sterilized by soaking in antiseptic solutions or autoclaving at a lower temperature (121-151°C) for 15 minutes. However,
it is essential to only use recommended cleansers and polishers for cleaning and polishing these instruments. Most plastics are best stored in a dry state rather than prolonged soaking in antiseptic solutions.
Lastly, proper hand hygiene is crucial when handling surgical instruments.
Hands should be thoroughly washed and dried before and after handling instruments to prevent the transfer of bacteria or other contaminants.
In conclusion, the care and maintenance of surgical instruments are essential to ensure their longevity and prevent the risk of infections. By following the recommended guidelines for washing,
cleaning, polishing, and lubrication, as well as avoiding rough handling and the use of abrasive agents, healthcare professionals can help maintain the usefulness of these instruments.
Regular inspections and adherence to proper sterilization techniques will further contribute to the overall safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures.