AIDS and the vascular surgeon.
The presence of the HIV virus has introduced a new risk to the surgeon and the operating team. Vascular and cardiac surgeons are at a higher risk of percutaneous exposure to blood than many other surgical groups. Re-examination of basic surgical techniques enables the development of strategies for the handling of instruments to minimise the risks of accidental injuries to operating room staff. This includes methods for transfer of sharp instruments and the tying of knots, techniques for operating in deep cavities, retraction of wounds, and the abandonment of some traditional techniques such as the use of hand needles. All cardiac and vascular surgeons must re-examine their surgical techniques. Trainee surgeons in these specialties must be taught safe strategies, which will then reduce the risk of AIDS in the whole surgical team.
Royle
J P
JP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods