Trichotomy is a pre-surgical procedure that aims to remove hair from the region to be cut to facilitate the visualization of the region by the doctor and to avoid possible infections after surgery and, consequently, complications for the patient.
This procedure must be done at the hospital, two hours before surgery and by a trained professional, usually a nurse.
What is it for
The trichotomy is done with the objective of decreasing the chances of postoperative infection, since the microorganisms can also be found adhered to the hair. In addition, it leaves the region "cleaner" for the doctor to work.
The trichotomy should be performed about 2 hours before surgery by a nurse or nursing technician using an electric razor, properly cleaned, or specific equipment, known as an electric trichotomizer. The use of razor blades can cause small wounds and facilitate the entry of microorganisms and, therefore, its use is not highly recommended.
The professional indicated to perform the trichotomy should use sterile gloves, cut the larger hair with scissors and then, with the use of the electric appliance, remove the rest of the hair in the opposite direction to its growth.
This procedure should only be performed in the region where the surgery will be cut, and it is not necessary to remove hair from more distant regions. In normal childbirth, for example, it is not necessary to remove all pubic hair, only the sides and in the region close to where the episiotomy will be performed, which is a small surgical cut that is made in the region between the vagina and the anus that allows to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate the baby's exit. In the case of a cesarean, the trichotomy should only be done in the region close to where the cut will be made.
