What is the purpose of a surgical drape?

The purpose of a surgical drape is primarily to create a sterile environment around the surgical site. This is essential in preventing contamination during a surgical procedure, which can lead to infections or complications for the patient. The sterile drape covers the area of the patient's body where the surgery will take place, thereby ensuring that any instruments, the surgical team, and the surrounding environment do not introduce pathogens into the sterile field.

In surgical settings, maintaining a sterile field is critical to the success of the procedure and the safety of the patient. The drapes are specifically designed to be resistant to fluids and to maintain sterility, which supports the overarching goal of promoting a safe and effective surgical environment.