Marking the surgical site before an operation is a critical safety step designed to prevent wrong-site surgery. This practice ensures that the surgical team operates on the correct anatomical location, minimizing the risk of serious patient harm. The mark is typically made on the patient while they are awake and able to confirm the site, providing an additional layer of verification. This preoperative confirmation aligns with the surgical safety checklist protocols recommended worldwide, enhancing communication among the team and reducing errors. Proper site marking is considered a standard of care and a key component in improving surgical outcomes.

Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st Edition.