Hepatitis B as an occupational disease of surgeons

Hepatitis B is an occupational hazard of great magnitude to the practicing surgeon or surgeon-in-training. Knowledge of the basic serologic and clinical events which occur in the various forms of hepatitis B is important for effective care of patients and for understanding the personal risk involved in surgical practice. Evidence of prior infection from hepatitis B is present in more than 25 per cent of surgeons who are actively practicing. Although the risk of acquiring hepatitis as a surgeon is high (about 5 per cent per year), the majority of instances are asymptomatic. The risk to patients who are cared for by a chronically antigenemic surgeon would appear to be extremely low, and, thus, the chronic presence of surface antigen is not an indication for cessation of operating or patient care. The newly released vaccine against hepatitis is efficacious and safe, and immunization of surgeons who are seronegative is strongly recommended. Rapid progress is being made in the understanding of the transmission, treatment and prevention of type B viral hepatitis. The practicing surgeon is urged to stay informed of new developments regarding this occupational disease.