What is the primary goal of using sterile techniques in surgery?

The primary goal of using sterile techniques in surgery is to reduce the risk of infection. Sterile techniques help to maintain a sterile environment, which is crucial during surgical procedures to prevent pathogens from entering the body and causing infections. When instruments, the surgical site, and the surgical team are all maintained in a sterile state, the likelihood of surgical site infections and related complications significantly decreases.

Infection during surgery can lead to prolonged recovery times, increased medical costs, and serious health risks for the patient. Therefore, adhering to sterile techniques is essential for patient safety and the overall success of surgical outcomes. While other choices mention aspects such as speeding up procedures or affecting recovery times, the fundamental reason for implementing sterile techniques remains focused on preventing infections.