Halsted's principles

Halstead's principles are the basic principles of surgical technique regarding tissue handling, vascular occlusion etc. If followed, they improve soft tissue surgical success rate.

The principles include:

• Strict asepsis during preparation and surgery.

• Good haemostasis to improve conditions for the procedure and limit infection and deadspace.

• Minimise tissue trauma.

• Use good Surgical judgement ensuring elimination of deadspace and adeqate removal of material.

• Minimise surgery time through knowledge of anatomy and technique.

• Correct use of instruments and materials used.