Document Detail


Risk of blood splashes to the eye during surgery.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19405330     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: With the advent of a new infectious era involving the HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses, concern has arisen about transmission of these viruses through ocular blood splashes during surgery. The purpose of the study was to determine the risk of ocular blood splashes to surgeons and their assistants during surgery. METHOD: Surgeons and assistants in several surgical disciplines were requested to wear facemasks with a transparent plastic visor. The visors were collected postoperatively and inspected for macroscopic and microscopic blood splashes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine per cent of the surgeons and assistants refused to wear facemasks with a visor. The incidence of blood splashes in those who participated was 45%. There was a trend for blood splashes to be more common during major surgery and during elective surgery. Surgeons and assistants were subject to similar risk. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the significant risk of ocular blood splashes during surgery, while also suggesting that both surgeons and assistants lack appreciation of the risk.
Authors:
R De Silva; A Mall; E Panieri; D Stupart; D Kahn
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  South African journal of surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir chirurgie     Volume:  47     ISSN:  0038-2361     ISO Abbreviation:  S Afr J Surg     Publication Date:  2009 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-05-01     Completed Date:  2009-07-03     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  2984854R     Medline TA:  S Afr J Surg     Country:  South Africa    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  7-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery and Medical Research Council Liver Research Centre, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Blood-Borne Pathogens
Eye Infections, Viral / transmission
Eye Protective Devices
HIV Infections / transmission*
Hepatitis B / transmission*
Hepatitis C / transmission*
Humans
Incidence
Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional*
Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
Occupational Health
Perioperative Care
Risk Factors
Surgical Procedures, Operative / adverse effects*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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