HIV and blood-borne diseases in relation to gynecologic surgery

The advent of the AIDS epidemic coupled with enhanced recognition of the morbidity and mortality associated with occupationally acquired hepatitis B virus infection has resulted in a great interest in the epidemiologic characteristics of contact of surgical personnel with patient's blood and other bodily fluids in assessing and identifying risks of such contact, and in developing preventive interventions. The Centers for Disease control have made recommendations designed to decrease the transmission of blood-borne pathogens and have been given the force of law by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Despite prospective data documenting contamination rates and effect preventive measures, for unknown reasons many physicians and other health care workers continue to ignore preventive practices.