Many Surgeons Take Personal Risks

A study has found that although exposure to blood and body fluids while operating puts surgeons at risk, many do not take the precaution of double gloving. The study was published in the February 2003 issue of the American Journal of Surgery.

Double gloving is a safety measure that decreases a surgeon's risk of exposure. Researchers investigated the gloving practice of surgeons and their hepatitis status in a questionnaire sent to 268 consultant surgeons and residents in surgical specialties. The responses showed that more than half of the surgeons do not double glove. None of the urologists double glove and 87% of orthopedic surgeons do not. The most common reason cited was a decrease in manual dexterity and comfort. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada).

According to other studies, when surgeons double glove, the risk of breaking through the rubber decreases from 34.7% to 3.8%. After this evidence was presented to the surgeons in the current study, only 23% said they would change their practice and double glove.




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