Concept of Sterilization in Ayurveda Compendia

Abstract

      Sterilization¹ is the process of freeing an article, a surface or a medium of all microorganisms by removing or killing them. In surrounding environment, there are billions of microorganisms. Maximum of them are lived with human beings in commensalism which are not harmful but hazardous to immunocompromised host. Also, they found to be hazards to open wounds, operation theatres, labour rooms, inpatient ward.

      In surgery, the Sterilization has its prime importance. Without sterilization, it causes complication such as infection, impaired wound healing etc. By means of these complications, it obstructs the better recovery of operated patients as well as increases the hospital stay of patients. Acharya Sushruta has explained various surgeries and at the same time, he also described the concept of sterilization in Purvakarma (preoperative procedure). The present article describes the various methods and aspect of sterilization in classical text and also its implementation in the present scenario.