The Glove Made from Love: A History of Surgical Attire

Am Surg. 2019 Sep 1;85(9):935-938.

Abstract

The development of surgical attire is well documented in historical photographs and evolved in response to the changing understanding of aseptic and antiseptic techniques. Surgeons throughout time remained significantly opposed to changes in attire, and it was over a century that we evolved from wearing black frock coats to the current attire of today. Interestingly, surgical attire remains a source of controversy even today, with a recent argument regarding skull versus bouffant caps that was quite publicly debated.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Asepsis / history
  • Europe
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Surgical Attire / history*
  • United States