[Characteristics of surgeon's work with HIV-infected patients]

AIDS incidence is sharply growing in all countries. Doctors specialists in all fields of medicine may come in contact in the process of treatment with HIV carriers or patients suffering from AIDS, when the clinical picture is vividly manifested. The most frequently encountered HIV-dependent complex of symptoms includes persisting fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, diarrhoea. Blood test for HIV antibodies confirms the diagnosis. Treatment of surgical diseases in HIV-infected patients is justified in the latent period of the syndrome. In a marked clinical picture of AIDS and the presence of an opportunistic infection the patient survives no longer than 18 months. It is advisable in such cases, in the interest of the patient and the surgeon, to refrain from undertaking a planned operation because its mortality is very high. Only emergency interventions are indicated. During contact with a HIV-infected patient the medical staff must follow strictly the rules of hospital hygiene and antisepsis . The work must be carried out in gloves, protective glasses, and masks, and injure of the hands with sharp instruments must be avoided. The personnel must be trained and educated in working with HIV-infected patients.