What aspect of surgical practice was particularly transformed by Lister's methods?

Joseph Lister's methods fundamentally transformed the sterility of surgical environments, which was a groundbreaking advancement in the field of surgery. By introducing the concepts of antisepsis and asepsis, Lister emphasized the importance of preventing microbial contamination during surgical procedures. He implemented practices such as the use of sterilized instruments, antiseptic solutions for wound care, and the sterilization of the surgical environment itself. This focus on maintaining a clean and sterile environment significantly reduced the incidence of post-surgical infections, leading to better patient outcomes and safer surgical practices.

In contrast, while the speed of surgeries, the use of anesthesia, and the education of surgeons are all important aspects of surgical practice, they did not directly arise from Lister's contributions. The primary legacy of Lister's work was the establishment of aseptic techniques, which revolutionized how surgeries were performed with regard to infection control. This laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and has had a lasting impact on surgical safety and efficacy.