Disposable Paper Gown
ADVANTAGES:
Paper gowns are resistant to wetting so they are less permeable to bacteria. They are preferred for wet bloody surgery (equine abdominal surgery).
Donning a new gown for each surgery and disposing of it at the end ensures sterility.
DISADVANTAGES:
Paper is less ecologically sound because it is not reusable.
Linen (cloth) Gowns
ADVANTAGES:
Linen gowns are both comfortable and reusable. Previously worn gowns can be autoclaved to regain sterility.
DISADVANTAGES:
Linen is a woven material so that when it becomes wet, bacteria can permeate through its interstices. Linen is not the gown material of choice for wet, bloody surgical procedures.
Plastic Gowns
ADVANTAGES:
Plastic is superior in its resistance to wetting and bacterial penetration. Plastic can be used to reinforce paper gowns during wet surgery (plastic sleeves for abdominal surgery).
DISADVANTAGES:
Plastic is extremely uncomfortable to wear because of the inability to shed heat and perspiration.
ADVANTAGES:
Paper gowns are resistant to wetting so they are less permeable to bacteria. They are preferred for wet bloody surgery (equine abdominal surgery).
Donning a new gown for each surgery and disposing of it at the end ensures sterility.
