Disposable Paper Gown
 |
 |
ADVANTAGES: |
| Paper gowns are resistant to wetting so they are less permeable to bacteria. They are preferred for wet bloody surgery (equine abdominal surgery). | ||
| Donning a new gown for each surgery and disposing of it at the end ensures sterility. | ||
|
DISADVANTAGES: | |
| Paper is less ecologically sound because it is not reusable. |
Linen (cloth) Gowns
 |
|
ADVANTAGES: |
| Linen gowns are both comfortable and reusable. Previously worn gowns can be autoclaved to regain sterility. | ||
|
DISADVANTAGES: | |
| Linen is a woven material so that when it becomes wet, bacteria can permeate through its interstices. Linen is not the gown material of choice for wet, bloody surgical procedures. |
Plastic Gowns
 |
|
ADVANTAGES: |
| Plastic is superior in its resistance to wetting and bacterial penetration. Plastic can be used to reinforce paper gowns during wet surgery (plastic sleeves for abdominal surgery). | ||
|
DISADVANTAGES: | |
| Plastic is extremely uncomfortable to wear because of the inability to shed heat and perspiration. |
