Unnoticed glove perforation during thoracoscopic and open thoracic surgery

Surgeons tend to underestimate the risk of transferring infection during thoracoscopic operations, although data on glove perforation in thoracoscopic operations have not been reported.

Unnoticed perforations of the gloves worn by the same primary surgeon during thoracoscopic procedures and open thoracotomy were studied. Gloves with gross damage and those changed due to assumed damage were excluded. Gloves were tested by filling with water and squeezing to inflate each finger, which could detect a perforation by a 30-gauge needle.

Perforation was found in 25% after thoracoscopic operation, although this was significantly lower than 70% after open thoracotomy. Twelve percent of the gloves worn during thoracoscopic operation were perforated. The perforation rate was higher for gloves worn for more than 2 hours during thoracoscopic operation.

Glove perforation occurred without being noticed in 25% of thoracoscopic procedures, and in 12% of the gloves used during the procedure. Glove change within 2 hours is recommended.