Randomized trial of blunt-tipped versus cutting needles to reduce glove puncture during mass closure of the abdomen.
Eighty-five consecutive patients were randomized to undergo mass closure of the abdomen with no. 1 polydioxanone mounted on either a blunt-tipped (n = 46) or cutting (n = 39) needle. Gloves were changed before closure and tested for perforation afterwards using standard air or water techniques. Fourteen pairs of gloves were punctured when using a cutting needle, and three pairs when a blunt-tipped needle was used. The majority of punctures were to the non-dominant glove. The surgeon was aware of the puncture in eight of the 14 instances involving a sharp needle and in one of the three involving a blunt-tipped needle. Blunt-tipped needles, while not eliminating the risk, significantly reduced the incidence of surgical glove puncture (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). The use of cutting needles for abdominal closure should be abandoned.
Hartley
J E
JE
University of Hull Academic Surgical Unit, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, North Humberside, UK.
Ahmed
S
S
Milkins
R
R
Naylor
G
G
Monson
J R
JR
Lee
P W
PW
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors