When is it appropriate for the surgical tech to change gloves during a bowel resection?

In the context of a bowel resection, changing gloves after the final suture has been placed is appropriate due to the importance of maintaining a sterile environment throughout the procedure. Once the anastomosis is complete and the final sutures are in place, any contaminants that may have come into contact with the gloves during the procedure are minimized, and the surgical tech can ensure that the integrity of the sterile field is preserved before closing the incision.

During critical steps such as the anastomosis, the gloves should remain uncontaminated to avoid introducing pathogens into the surgical site, which can increase the risk of postoperative infections. Therefore, changing gloves after the final sutures provides an added layer of safety before any further maneuvers that may need additional sterility, such as closing the incision or handling additional instruments.

This process underscores the importance of sterility and the role of the surgical team in maintaining optimal conditions for patient safety during an operation.