Naked During Surgery?

This is not an uncommon fear. I don’t want to have the whole world see me naked during surgery either.

There is only a certain set of individuals allowed in the operating room other than your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse. This includes any assistants that directly help the surgeon with the case and assistants that help with moving and transporting patients.

If anyone else out of this ordinary set of individuals will be present, you will sign a consent form to allow this to happen. For instance, if a healthcare student who is learning will be watching the surgery, you must give your permission before this can occur. If you are getting care in an academic institution, residents and students will usually be present. We all learn by seeing and doing things, and this is the way in which future doctors, nurses, and assistants are trained.

Many cases are performed laparoscopically and using cameras. If pictures are taken with this equipment (inside your body), it is for the reason of taking good care of you and documenting exactly what your surgeon saw and what they did. It goes without saying, though, that no other types of pictures are taken without your expressed written consent. We all take this very serious.

Most likely, you will be wearing a hospital gown. Learn about what to expect when wearing the gown here.

But I still don’t want anyone to see me naked you say. The honest truth is that for us, the operating room is our office. And it is professional work and serious business. Therefore, the only parts of your body that are exposed are the ones that are essential to be visualized for your procedure. And as soon as we can, we cover you up.

We all try and remember that we will one day be patients as well.

If you have any concerns or questions about how your modesty will be protected, please ask your surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiologist prior to surgery.

Thank you for trusting us to take care of you. And thanks for stopping by anesthesiamyths.com!

Have you had general anesthesia, a nerve block, an epidural, or a spinal recently? Let us know how it went by visiting and posting in the forum.