Which technique focuses on preventing infection during surgeries by maintaining sterility?

The technique that focuses on preventing infection during surgeries by maintaining sterility is the aseptic technique. This practice is crucial in surgical procedures as it aims to create and maintain a sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection to both the patient and the surgical team.

Aseptic technique involves various practices and procedures designed to eliminate all potential sources of microorganisms, including proper handwashing, wearing sterile gloves, using sterile instruments, and preparing the surgical site appropriately. By following the aseptic technique, healthcare professionals ensure that the surgical area remains free from harmful pathogens, significantly lowering the chances of postoperative infections.

Other techniques mentioned do play important roles in healthcare. For example, universal precautions refer to a set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, primarily focusing on the handling of blood and other bodily fluids. Septic technique, while it might imply managing infection already present, does not focus on prevention in the same systematic way as aseptic technique does. Personal protection encompasses the use of protective gear but does not specifically relate to maintaining sterility in the environment of a surgical procedure.