In casual conversation, "sterile" is often used negatively to reflect the conditions of a hospital. However, it's also a quality that's taken for granted: we expect instruments to be properly sterlized, rooms to be appropriately sanitized, and overall conditions to be set up to avoid infections.

The risk of surgical complications increases dramatically when doctors work in unsanitary conditions. Patients are particularly vulnerable to developing post-operative infection due to wound contamination during surgery. To protect patients, doctors and hospital staff are expected to meet strict sanitation requirements.

According to guidelines used throughout the medical industry, surgical equipment must be sterilized prior to use and hospitals must be kept clean. When an infection or illness is acquired during surgery or a wound becomes contaminated as a result of unsanitary conditions, the patient may be entitled to compensation.