Ocular contamination during lesional surgery—a hazard for the plastic surgeon

Personal Safety of the Plastic Surgeon: Keeping Yourself Healthy While You Work

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this study, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the primary physical and mental risks faced by the practicing plastic surgeon. 2. State the primary risk factors for cervical spine disease and back pain. 3. State the critical steps for protection from ionizing and nonionizing radiation. 4. List the characteristics of a surgeon exhibiting signs of burnout. 5. Develop a plan for mitigating personal risk of musculoskeletal, exposure, and other injuries.

SUMMARY

Health care workers are exposed to significant occupational hazards, and have a risk of injury similar to that of construction, mining, and manufacturing employees. Plastic surgeons must have a clear understanding of the types of risks they face and the techniques for mitigating them. Exposure to some risks is attributable to unavoidable occupational conditions, but others can be avoided completely. The sources of injury risk from musculoskeletal, exposure, and other causes are discussed in this article, and evidence-based recommendations to ameliorate these risks are presented.

Eyewear contamination levels in the operating room: infection risk

We investigated eyewear contamination levels in the operating room to assess infection risk and inform protocol development. Microbial contamination after use was found in 37.7% of disposable and 94.9% of reusable eyewear pieces. After disinfection, 74.4% of reusable eyewear also cultured positive. Disposable eyewear may reduce intercase contamination risk. Reusable eyewear may carry ongoing bioburden and, thus, contribute to operating room environment risk. Eyewear with antimicrobial material or components could reduce risk. Alternative decontamination methods for reusable eyewear should be evaluated.