EVALUATION OF DHOOPANA KARMA (FUMIGATION) USING CHARAKOKTHADHOOPANA DRAVYAS W.S.R. TO OPERATION THEATRE STERILIZATION

Background and Objectives: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the second most common cause of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Ensuring a sterile environment in the operating theatre through effective sterili-sation methods, such as fumigation (Dhoopana Karma) using herbal drugs, can proficiently disinfect the area. This study seeks to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Dhoopana dravyas and to standardise their dosage for operating theatre sterilisation. Methodology: Dhoopana Karma was performed to assess its antimicrobial activi-ty. In light of the insufficient references in classical textbooks regarding the dose and duration of the Dhoopana drug’s effects, an initiative was undertaken to standardise the dosage for Charakoktha Dhoopana Dravyas. Air and surface samples were collected from operating theatres before and after fumigation at various intervals. A wooden cubicle was placed in the operating theatre to ascertain the appropriate dosage. Fumigation was carried out in the cubicle area using different weights, and the microbial load was evaluated based on microbial counts. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial action of Dhoopana Karma was determined by comparing the growth in Petri plates of NA, MSA, and PDA media before and after fumigation. With the established standard dose, the dosage required for larger areas was calculated, and these areas were subsequently fumigated. Results: For the Charakoktha Dhoopana Dravyas, 1 gram of Varti per eight cubic foot area was established as the standard dose, demonstrating effectiveness from two hours post-fumigation and lasting up to 24 hours in the operating theatre. When larger areas were fumigated using the standard dose, they yielded significant results regarding the micro-bial load before and after fumigation. Conclusion: Dhoopana drugs exhibit antimicrobial properties against both bacterial and fungal species.