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The plastic surgical adhesive drape: an evaluation of its efficacy as a microbial barrier
Abstract:
A microbial evaluation was made of adhesive plastic surgical drapes and cloth surgical drapes. These studies were done both during surgery and in the laboratory. The plastic drape does not allow bacterial penetration, lateral migration does not occur, skin bacteria do not multiply under the drape within the time periods studied and the patient drapes are held in place with their use. When wet, cloth drapes showed profuse bacterial penetration. Dry cloth showed less bacterial penetration as compared to wet cloth. Lateral migration under cloth drapes was not possible to assess due to a high level of penetration. The surface of cloth showed a higher level of bacterial contamination during the surgical procedures. Deep wound cultures collected just prior to closing showed 60% contamination when cloth was used compared to 6% when plastic was employed. The micro-organisms recovered from the various sites sampled were identified. Finally, in addition to the positive aseptic benefits afforded by plastic adhesive drapes, aesthetic features such as a more delineated operative field and elimination of towel clips make this product a useful adjunct to the surgeon's armamentarium.
Insights
Plastic surgical drapes prevent bacterial contamination more effectively than cloth drapes. Studies showed significantly lower deep wound contamination rates with plastic drapes, highlighting their aseptic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Surgical site infections remain a concern.
- Traditional cloth drapes may pose a risk for bacterial contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the microbial barrier properties of adhesive plastic surgical drapes and cloth surgical drapes.
- To evaluate the impact of drape type on bacterial contamination during surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Microbial evaluation of plastic and cloth drapes during surgery and in laboratory settings.
- Assessment of bacterial penetration, lateral migration, and multiplication under drapes.
- Analysis of deep wound cultures and surface contamination levels.
Main Results:
- Plastic drapes effectively prevent bacterial penetration and lateral migration.
- Cloth drapes, especially when wet, allow significant bacterial penetration.
- Deep wound contamination was 60% with cloth drapes versus 6% with plastic drapes.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive plastic surgical drapes offer superior aseptic performance compared to cloth drapes.
- Plastic drapes reduce the risk of surgical site contamination.
- Plastic drapes also provide aesthetic advantages and improve the operative field delineation.