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Risk of accidental exposure to blood borne infection during plastic surgical operations
L O Henriksen1, J Lock-Andersen
1Department of Reconstructive Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
To find out the incidence of accidental exposure to blood borne infections by the operation team in the department of plastic surgery a three month survey was carried out. All episodes of exposure of unprotected skin or mucous membranes to blood were recorded. There were 94 accidents in 746 operations, and 17 (18%) of the injuries penetrated the skin. These were mostly self injuries, typically the surgeon injuring his non-dominant index finger. Only one injured person wanted the patient to have an HIV test after the injury, and none of the injured people wanted an HIV test. Only two reported the injury as an occupational accident.
Insights
Plastic surgery teams experienced 94 accidents during operations, with 18% causing skin penetration. Most injuries were self-inflicted, and few were reported as occupational accidents.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens poses a risk to healthcare workers during surgical procedures.
- Understanding the incidence and nature of these exposures is crucial for implementing effective safety protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of accidental exposure to bloodborne infections among the surgical team in a plastic surgery department.
- To characterize the types of injuries and reporting practices following such exposures.
Main Methods:
- A three-month survey was conducted in the plastic surgery department.
- All episodes of unprotected skin or mucous membrane exposure to blood were meticulously recorded.
Main Results:
- A total of 94 accidents occurred during 746 operations.
- 17% (18%) of these injuries involved skin penetration, predominantly self-inflicted injuries to the non-dominant index finger.
- Only one individual requested an HIV test for the patient, and no injured personnel sought HIV testing.
- Merely two incidents were reported as occupational accidents.
Conclusions:
- Accidental blood exposures are a notable concern in plastic surgery, with a significant proportion leading to skin penetration.
- Underreporting of occupational accidents and a lack of post-exposure testing requests highlight potential gaps in current safety awareness and protocols.
- Further investigation into the causes and improved reporting mechanisms are recommended to enhance surgical team safety.