Nation / Sat, 15 Aug 2026 News18

GK: Why Do Doctors Wear Masks While Performing Surgery?

Last Updated: August 15, 2026, 18:00 IST1 / 8 Have you ever wondered why doctors and nurses always wear surgical masks inside an operation theatre? Surgical masks help reduce this risk by acting as a barrier. ADVERTISEMENT5 / 8 Maintaining a clean and controlled environment inside an operation theatre is essential. ADVERTISEMENT7 / 8 A surgical mask in an operation theatre is therefore far more than a simple piece of protective clothing. It forms an important barrier between the patient and healthcare workers, helping reduce the risk of contamination and exposure during surgery.

Last Updated: August 15, 2026, 18:00 IST

1 / 8 Have you ever wondered why doctors and nurses always wear surgical masks inside an operation theatre? While many people assume masks are meant to keep out dust or unpleasant smells, there is much more to it.

2 / 8 According to Dr Nived Rao Balmuri, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon at Medicover Hospitals, Secunderabad, with more than 10 years of experience, surgical masks play a crucial role in protecting both patients and healthcare professionals.

3 / 8 During surgery, a patient's body is opened, and internal organs are exposed, making them particularly vulnerable to infection. When doctors or medical staff speak or breathe, tiny respiratory droplets can be released from the nose and mouth. If these droplets carry microorganisms and reach an open surgical wound, they could potentially increase the risk of infection. Surgical masks help reduce this risk by acting as a barrier.

4 / 8 A surgical mask also provides protection to medical professionals. During an operation, blood or other bodily fluids can sometimes splash towards a doctor's face, particularly while blood vessels or tissues are being handled. If a patient has a blood-borne infection, exposure to infected fluids through the mouth or nose can pose a health risk to medical staff. A mask therefore acts as one layer of personal protective equipment.

5 / 8 Maintaining a clean and controlled environment inside an operation theatre is essential. Coughing, sneezing or even talking can release respiratory droplets into the surrounding air. Wearing a mask helps limit the spread of these droplets and reduces the possibility of contamination of surgical equipment, surfaces or the operative field.

6 / 8 There is another practical reason for wearing masks. Certain major surgeries can produce strong odours, including those associated with cauterised or damaged tissue and internal body contents. Although preventing infection and reducing exposure to biological material are the primary concerns, masks can also reduce the intensity of unpleasant smells, helping medical professionals remain comfortable and focused during lengthy procedures.

7 / 8 A surgical mask in an operation theatre is therefore far more than a simple piece of protective clothing. It forms an important barrier between the patient and healthcare workers, helping reduce the risk of contamination and exposure during surgery.