Cosmesis in neurosurgery: is the bald head necessary to avoid postoperative infection?
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to prospectively investigate the incidence of postoperative wound infection following elective cranial surgery, when scalp hair removal was limited to the line of the incision, and to see if there was an increased risk of infection.


METHODS
This is an observational study of 57 consecutive adult elective cases operated upon without head shave (between July 1998 and December 1998). The method of scalp preparation is described.


RESULTS
During the follow-up period, there was 1 case (1.75%) of postoperative wound infection. This was compared with retrospective data, and was not found to be statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
In a review of earlier studies and a search into the history of aseptic surgery, no scientific ground for the practice of shaving was found. We suggest that there is no advantage in shaving patients in terms of reducing wound infection rates.
Kumar
K
K
Department of Neurosurgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
Thomas
J
J
Chan
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy; D005260:Female; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed