Antiseptics

• What problem did antiseptics and anaesthetics solve?

  They solved the problem of pain
• What was the main cause of high death rates from operations?

  Infection due to germs
• What are the two main approaches to reducing infections during operations?

  Antiseptic and aseptic methods
• How do antiseptic methods work?

  They kill germs in surgical wounds
• What is the goal of aseptic surgical methods?

  To stop germs from getting near the wound
• Who showed that washing hands could reduce infection spread?

  Ignace Semmelweis
• What solution did Semmelweis use for handwashing?

  Chloride of lime solution
• Why wasn't Semmelweis's handwashing method widely used?

  It was very unpleasant to use
• What did Joseph Lister use carbolic spray for?

  To reduce infection levels in surgery
• When did Lister start using carbolic spray in operating theaters?

  In the early 1860s
• What significant realization did Lister have in 1865?

  Germs could be in the air and on instruments
• What was the death rate from operations before Lister's antiseptics?

  50%
• What did Lister's use of antiseptics reduce the death rate to?

  Around 15%
• What opposition did Lister face regarding carbolic spray?

  Many found it unpleasant on skin
• What event did Lister use to promote carbolic spray?

  A well-publicized operation at King's College Hospital
• How much did the number of operations increase by 1912 compared to 1867?

  Ten times higher
• What change occurred in surgical approaches since the late 1800s?

  From killing germs to maintaining aseptic environments
• What temperature is typically used to sterilize instruments?

  Around 120 degrees Celsius
• What precautions do theatre staff take before entering?

  They sterilize their hands and wear masks
• Who invented surgical gloves?

  William Halsted
• In what year were surgical gloves invented?

  1889
• What are the key differences between antiseptic and aseptic methods?

  • Antiseptic methods kill germs in wounds
  • Aseptic methods prevent germs from entering wounds
• What were the impacts of Lister's antiseptic methods on surgery?

  • Reduced death rates from 50% to 15%
  • Increased number of operations significantly
  • Changed surgical practices towards aseptic environments