What is a common effect of improper sterilization of surgical instruments?

Improper sterilization of surgical instruments significantly increases the risk of infection for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Sterilization is a critical process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, ensuring that instruments are free from pathogens that could introduce infections into the surgical site. When surgical instruments are not adequately sterilized, bacteria, viruses, or fungi may remain on the surfaces, posing serious risks to patients' health, potentially leading to postoperative infections.

Increased infection rates can lead to complications such as prolonged recovery times, additional surgical interventions, and other health issues that can significantly impact a patient’s overall health and wellbeing. In contrast, proper sterilization protocols are designed to mitigate these risks and promote safer surgical environments, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.