Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Evaluating the impact of reusable gowns on postoperative infection rates in hand surgery
Frank Davis1, Oscar Atkinson1, Marwan El-Sayed1
1Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, West Sussex, England.
Background:
Historically, there have been concerns that reusable gowns may increase post operative infection rate, though more recent literature does not support this. The Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre's (SOTC) hand unit introduced reusable gowns in hand surgery and evaluated infection rates before and after implementation. Their adoption could provide economic and environmental benefits for the NHS.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis compared infection rates in 396 hand surgeries. A two month period of disposable gowns was compared with a two month period of reusable gowns.
Results:
Infection rates were 1.58 % (3/190) pre-intervention and 1.94 % (4/206) post-intervention. All cases were managed with oral antibiotics, with no reoperations.
Discussion:
This small study shows that our infection rates align with that of current literature that reusable gowns do not increase infection rates. Their environmental benefits support adoption, and addressing misconceptions is key to implementation.
Evidence Level:
2b (Retrospective Cohort).
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Impact of Groups on Groups
Reaction Rate
The mathematical representation of the change in the concentration of reactants and products, over time, is the rate...
Impact
When particles with different initial velocities collide, they induce deformation by applying equal and opposite impulses. At the point of maximum deformation, the particles move together with...
Related Rates
Speciation Rates

