Postoperative wound infections and surgical face masks: a controlled study

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Surgical Safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The efficacy of surgical face masks in preventing postoperative wound infections remains debated.
• Previous research suggests a potential decrease in infections when masks are omitted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a 30% or greater difference in general surgery wound infection rates exists between using and not using face masks.
• To evaluate the impact of surgical face mask use on patient surgical site infection rates.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study over 115 weeks included 3,088 patients.
• Patients were assigned to periods of either wearing face masks or not wearing face masks, based on a random list.
• Surgical wound infection rates were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• A total of 73 infections (4.7%) occurred in 1,537 operations with masks.
• A total of 55 infections (3.5%) occurred in 1,551 operations without masks.
• The difference in infection rates was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), and bacterial cultures showed no significant differences.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence does not support the routine use of surgical face masks to prevent patient wound infections from a healthy surgical team.
• Face masks may offer protection to the operating team against splashes and airborne pathogens, but not to the patient.
• The necessity and impact of surgical face masks on patient outcomes warrant reconsideration in surgical protocols.