No pants on after surgery - weird?

[CardiganBlobby]

I went into hospital today for some surgery to remove some non-invasive cancer cells from my breast - all good from that perspective. I was under general anaesthetic for the procedure which I have had before as well.

My question stems from the fact that I went into the surgery wearing my pants (wasn't told to remove them) but woke up without them. Can anyone help me understand why my pants came off?

I don't think I peed/pooped myself - pants were still fine when I got them back afterwards too.

Suggestions appreciated

@user1455735029 please see comment from @Melroses

The discussion needs to be had in the first place, so patients aren't surprised to wake up without their pants. For some people that could be very triggering if they didn't know the (perfectly logical) reason so it should be explained prior to the op.

I work in operating theatres mainly in breast lists, if the patient does not have paper pants on we tend to remove them for a few reasons.1 being an infection risk. 2. Being a risk with a diathermy injury/burn 3. Just to insure we don’t ruin patient property with the prep we use on the skin.
We NEVER undertake an internal examination!
It’s very common to remove the underwear and it’s to protect the patient.

anti inflammatory/painkillers given as a suppository

This. They did the same to me when I had a wisdom tooth out.

I had breast surgery in Feb. All patients had to remove their underwear before surgery unless their underwear was 100% cotton. I was s but miffed as wasn't told this prior, but removed them. I didn't ask why I just wanted the surgery to be over with to be honest.

How is anyone so sure non consensual examinations don’t happen?

Because I spent more than ten years working as a scrub nurse.

Infection control measures.....