Sharma JB, Gupta A, Malhotra M, Arora R
Facial and body blood contamination in major gynecologic surgeries. [Journal Article]
J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2003 Dec; 29(6):402-5.
AIM: To determine the incidence of facial and body blood contamination in various major gynecologic surgeries.
METHODS: A prospective study was conducted over a 6-month period on 122 major gynecologic surgeries (abdominal and vaginal) to determine the incidence of blood splashes on masks, goggles (or spectacles), body and feet of surgeons and assistants.
RESULTS: The overall incidence of blood splashes was 49.18%, 59.5%, 28.68% and 22.95% on surgeons masks, goggles, body and feet, respectively. This incidence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than for first assistants, who showed an incidence of blood splashes of 35.24% (mask), 38.13% (goggles), 20.49% (body) and 9.83% (feet). The lowest incidence of splashes was seen on second assistants, with 22.1% (mask), 24.73% (goggles), 10.52% (body) and 7.36% (feet). There was no significant difference in the facial splash rate between major abdominal and vaginal surgeries, but body and feet contamination was significantly higher in major vaginal surgeries (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: There is a very high risk of facial and body blood contamination in major gynecologic surgeries, putting the surgeon and assistants at risk of acquiring viral disease. Routine use of universal precautions in all gynecologic surgeries is strongly recommended.
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