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Neurosurgery without shaving: indications and results
T Kretschmer1, V Braun, H P Richter
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ulm, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg, Germany.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 25, 2000
Summary
This study demonstrates that avoiding head shaving during neurosurgery significantly improves patient psychological well-being without increasing infection risk. Patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery can avoid visible signs of surgery, aiding their reintegration into daily life.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Patient Care
Background:
- Shaving the head for cranial neurosurgery can lead to a stigmatizing effect.
- Visible signs of head operations can hinder a patient's reintegration into daily life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing cranial neurosurgery without shaving the patient's head.
- To prevent the psychological distress associated with a shaved head after neurosurgery.
Main Methods:
- A modified technique involved meticulous hair removal only from the incision line and the use of chlorhexidine jelly and neomycin ointment.
- The procedure was performed on 215 patients undergoing various cranial neurosurgical operations.
- No further wound dressing was applied post-operatively.
Main Results:
- Only one wound infection (0.5%) was observed across 215 operations, which is comparable to the general infection rate of 0.6%.
- Patients reported high satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome and the opportunity to avoid head shaving.
Conclusions:
- Refraining from shaving the head during cranial neurosurgery is a safe practice.
- This approach offers significant psychological benefits to patients without compromising surgical outcomes or increasing infection rates.