What was a major change in surgical practices due to Lister's work?

A major change in surgical practices due to Lister's work was indeed that surgeons began using rubber gloves. Lister's introduction of antiseptic techniques significantly transformed the field of surgery. He advocated for the use of sterilization to prevent infections by minimizing exposure to germs. To further enhance cleanliness during operations, the use of rubber gloves became common, largely popularized by surgeon William Halsted. This innovation provided both a barrier to germs and a means to maintain a sterile environment during surgical procedures.

The other options do not align with the advancements Lister's work encouraged. For instance, cleaning surgical instruments and maintaining cleanliness in hospitals were emphasized as crucial practices to reduce infection rates and improve patient outcomes. Lister's methods highlighted the importance of hygiene, shaping modern surgical practices and standards of care.