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Operative field contamination by the sweating surgeon
S J Mills1, D J Holland, A E Hardy
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Surgeons who sweat during orthopedic surgery may increase bacterial contamination in the operative field. Minimizing surgeon sweating is crucial for preventing wound infections, especially in joint replacement procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Infection Prevention
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Wound infection development is influenced by host, bacterial, and wound factors.
- The impact of surgeon perspiration on wound contamination was previously uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of surgeon sweating on bacterial counts in the surgical field during orthopedic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Ten surgeons conducted simulated total hip arthroplasty under sterile conditions, both with and without sweating.
- Bacterial contamination was quantified using settle plates in the operative field during both conditions.
Main Results:
- Mean bacterial colony-forming units (c.f.u.) were significantly higher when surgeons were sweating (6.9 c.f.u.) compared to when not sweating (3.3 c.f.u.) (P < 0.05).
- The predominant organisms identified were typical skin flora.
Conclusions:
- Surgeon sweating can increase the likelihood of contaminating the surgical field.
- Orthopedic surgeons, particularly those performing joint replacements, should implement strategies to reduce intraoperative sweating to minimize infection risk.