Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t8hqh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T10:25:13.461Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Eye protection in ear, nose and throat surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. J. Prior ,
P. Q. Montgomery  and
V. Srinivasan
A. J. Prior*
Affiliation:
London
P. Q. Montgomery
Affiliation:
London
V. Srinivasan
Affiliation:
London
*
Mr A. J. Prior, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, London Ell 1NR.
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of blood splashes to the conjunctiva during ear, nose and throat surgery. Two hundred and sixty consecutive operations by three surgeons were assessed for contamination of safety glasses and other factors. We found that 15 per cent of operations resulted in blood droplet contamination of safety glasses. In 92 per cent of these, contaminations were on the exterior of the glasses and eight per cent were on both sides. We concluded that about one and a half per cent of operations would result in droplet contamination of the conjunctiva and that safety spectacles reduced the risk by a factor of about 10. This study generally concurs with that of previous research in the areas of general and orthopaedic surgery and necropsies. We substantiate the need for eye protection for all ear, nose and throat procedures. Spectacles do provide a reasonable degree of protection but where absolute protection is needed i.e. in high risk groups, goggles should be used in preference to safety spectacles

Keywords

Surgery, otolaryngologicalEye protective devices
Type
Short communication
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 107 , Issue 7 , July 1993 , pp. 618 - 619
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Brearley, S., Buist, L. J. (1989) Blood splashes: an underestimated hazard to surgeons. British MedicalJournal 299: 1315.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bull, A. D., Channer, J., Cross, S. S., Start, R. D., Kennedy, A. (1991) Should eye protection be worn when performing necropsies? Journal of Clinical Pathology 44: 782.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Department of Health (1990) Recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS. Guidance for clinical health care workers: protection against infection with HIV and Hepatitis viruses. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.Google Scholar
Gioannini, P., Sinnico, A., Cariti, G., Luccini, A., Paggi, G., Giachino, O. (1988) HIV infection acquired by a nurse. European Journal of Epidemiology 4: 119–120CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Health and Safety Executive(1990) Essentials of Health and Safety at Work. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.Google Scholar
Pitto, R. P., Caruso, G. (1990) Conjunctival contamination in orthopaedic surgery. Archivo Putti Di Chirugia Degli Organi Di Movimento (Firenze) 38: 439–441Google Scholar
Public Health Laboratory Service (1992) Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre Report 38: 175–177Google Scholar
The Royal College of Surgeons of England (1990) A statement by the college on AIDS and HIV infection.Google Scholar