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Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

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Microscope sterility during spine surgery.

Jesse E Bible¹, Kevin R O'Neill, Colin G Crosby

¹Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. jesse.bible@vanderbilt.edu

|June 18, 2011

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Sterile microscope drapes used in spine surgery showed significant bacterial contamination, particularly around the optic eyepieces. Implementing changes like glove changes after adjustments may reduce contamination risks.

Area of Science:

Neurosurgery
Surgical Technology
Infection Control

Background:

The operating microscope enhances visualization in spine surgery but may increase infection risk.
Microscope drapes are used to maintain sterility during procedures.
Assessing drape contamination is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the bacterial contamination rates of sterile microscope drapes post-spine surgery.
To identify specific areas on the drape prone to contamination.

Main Methods:

A prospective study involving 25 spine surgery cases using an operating microscope.
Swabs collected from 7 sites on microscope drapes post-surgery.
Positive and negative controls used to validate contamination findings.

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Main Results:

All evaluated drape sites showed contamination post-surgery (12-44%).
Significant contamination occurred on optic eyepiece shafts (24-28%) and overhead portions (44%).
Negative controls showed no bacterial growth, confirming drape sterility before use.

Conclusions:

Microscope drapes are significantly contaminated after spine surgery.
Contamination is linked to touching unsterile parts, especially around eyepieces.
Changing gloves and avoiding drape manipulation above eyepieces may reduce contamination.