Safety of the surgeon : 'double-gloving' during surgical procedures : original article

• DOI: 10.7196/sajhivmed.1050
• Publication Date: 2014-12-01
• Authors: Olukayode Arowolo; E A Agbakwuru; G C Obonna; Chiazor U. Onyia; Andrew Akinbolaji...; Julius Olaogun

Background. In the face of increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, we evaluate effectiveness 'double-gloving' during surgery as a means protecting surgeon operating on patients with known or unknown HIV status. Methods. A prospective study was conducted to determine rate glove puncture and intraoperative injury categories positive, negative status. Results. The first assistant double-gloved all 1 050 procedures performed between 2009 2013, total 8 400 surgical gloves were used. Sixty-nine (6.6%) HIV-positive, 29 (2.8%) HIV-negative, status for remaining 952 (90.7%). overall 14.5%. 0%, 31% 15% HIV-negative unknown, respectively, this difference statistically significant. mean time group punctures 148 min (95% confidence interval (CI) 135 - 161), while without 88 CI 84 92). Conclusion. Double-gloving offers protection against injury. Knowing patient additional surgeon. While recommend routine double-gloving surgeons working HIV-prevalent populations, also advocate screening patients.