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Types of Surgical Tape

Surgical tape, also known as medical tape, is a basic tool of the medical profession. It is used for a variety of purposes--closing up wounds, securing bandages, and adding extra support to a newly stitched wound. Surprisingly, it is a recent invention. Modern surgical tape only dates from around 1960, when a way was found to create tape that was hypoallergenic and allowed the skin to perspire. Today there are several basic types.

  1. Porous Surgical Tape

    • The most basic kind of surgical tape, which was first developed by the company 3M in 1960, is porous surgical tape. Doctors and nurses were previously using regular tape that might have a medical ingredient added to it. Porous surgical tape is very thin, similar to paper. It is made up of very finely woven rayon fibers that allow the skin to breathe and includes just enough added adhesive to allow it to stay in place.

    Medicated Surgical Tape

    • It has become common in hospitals to administer medication to patients using surgical tape. Certain topical medications, such as the steroid flurandrenolide, are added into the fibers of the tape and absorbed by the skin. The most common application is administering medications that reduce the irritation and allergies associated with the long-term use of regular surgical tape.

    New Types of Surgical Tape

    • Though the classical form of porous surgical tape is likely to remain in use for a while, there are new kinds of tape being developed that might be useful. Notable is the discovery by several Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists of a new kind of waterproof adhesive that might be usable inside the human body for closing up wounds after surgery. Based on the foot design of the gecko lizard, this type of tape could find future applications.

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