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Should eye protection be worn during dermatological surgery: prospective observational study.
A J Birnie1, K S Thomas, S Varma
1Department of Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK. birnieandrew@hotmail.com
The British Journal of Dermatology
|May 31, 2007
Summary
Facial blood splashes are common during dermatological surgery, posing infection risks. Protective eyewear is crucial, especially with bipolar electrocautery or when operating on high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatological Surgery
- Infection Control
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Facial blood splashes pose a risk of blood-borne virus transmission to healthcare professionals.
- Quantification of facial blood contamination in dermatological surgery is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify facial blood splashes during dermatological surgery and identify high-risk procedures.
- To evaluate the availability and use of eye protection among UK dermatologists.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 100 dermatological surgery procedures.
- Postal survey of UK members of the British Society of Dermatological Surgery (BSDS) regarding protective measures.
Main Results:
- 33% of procedures involved facial splashes for operators; 15% for assistants.
- Monopolar electrocautery reduced splash risk compared to bipolar; body procedures had higher splash rates.
- 20.8% of surveyed dermatologists lacked face masks; 34% did not wear facial protection.
Conclusions:
- Significant risk of facial blood splashes exists for operators and assistants in dermatological surgery.
- UK dermatologists may underestimate the risk of facial blood contamination.
- Protective eyewear is recommended, particularly during bipolar electrocautery and high-risk procedures.
