What is the primary source of airborne bacteria transmitted to the patient during surgery?

The primary source of airborne bacteria transmitted to the patient during surgery is the surgical team. During surgical procedures, various activities performed by the surgical team—such as talking, breathing, or even moving—can aerosolize bacteria from their skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. These bacteria can then become aerosolized and contaminate the sterile field.

The surgical team is in close proximity to the surgical site, and even though they use sterile attire and take precautions to maintain a sterile environment, some bacterial particles can still escape and pose a risk to the patient. This risk emphasizes the importance of proper surgical technique and scrub protocols, as well as maintaining a sterile environment to minimize the potential for infection during surgery.

In contrast, while instruments and attire play crucial roles in maintaining a sterile field, they are not the primary source of airborne bacteria. Instruments are typically sterilized, and while surgical attire helps reduce the transfer of bacteria, the airborne nature of bacteria from the surgical team makes them the most significant factor in airborne transmission. Visitors, although they must also adhere to strict protocol, typically have less direct involvement in the sterile field and are therefore not considered the main source of airborne bacteria.