How did surgical practices evolve with the introduction of antiseptics?

The introduction of antiseptics revolutionized surgical practices by significantly decreasing the rate of surgical infections, which in turn led to better patient outcomes. Prior to the advent of antiseptic techniques, surgeries were often performed in unsanitary conditions, which resulted in a high incidence of infections and complications. The application of antiseptics, such as carbolic acid introduced by Joseph Lister, helped to sterilize surgical instruments, clean wounds, and create a cleaner operating environment. This not only reduced the likelihood of post-surgical infections but also improved the overall safety of surgical procedures, allowing for more complex operations to be performed with lower risk. Consequently, patients experienced fewer complications and had a higher chance of recovery, ultimately transforming the field of surgery into a much safer and respected medical practice.