First clinical study of a new virus-inhibiting surgical glove.
OBJECTIVE
Prospective clinical study to evaluate the tolerance, ergonomics and glove barrier value (mechanical resistance to breach) of a new surgical glove sandwiching droplets of a disinfecting agent between two layers of a synthetic elastomer (G-VIR) able to inactivate viruses when breached.


METHODS
100 surgical procedures were performed by six surgeons wearing G-VIR on 100 patients included after informed consent. Procedures were classified into laparoscopic (n = 28) or open surgery (n = 72); open surgery being subdivided either into superficial (n = 33) and deep (n = 39) or into hernia (n = 32) and non hernia (n = 40). The ergonomics and tolerance of the glove were evaluated by the surgeons using a questionnaire. Patients were clinically evaluated daily during hospitalization and once between the 4th to 6th postoperative week. All used gloves underwent a water leak test to detect any breach.


RESULTS
834 G-VIR gloves were used, 456 by the first surgeon and 378 by the assistant surgeon, resulting in 195 exposures, lasting 288 operator-hours (OH). No adverse effect on patients and/or surgeons linked to G-VIR could be observed. Ergonomics of G-VIR has been evaluated as equivalent as standard double gloving, excepted for donning which was more difficult (P <0.05). The breach rate per glove (BRpG) amounted to 1.8%. According to breach rate per operator-hour (BRpOH), surgical procedures could be categorized in low (laparoscopy), middle (non hernia and hernia superficial) and high (hernia deep) risk procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
G-VIR gloving offers an excellent mechanical protection, is suitable for daily surgical practice and maybe recommended in high risk surgical procedures.
Caillot
Jean-Louis
JL
Service de Chirurgie d'Urgence, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre-Bénite, France. JL.Caillot@wanadoo.fr
Voiglio
Eric J
EJ
D035843:Biomedical Research; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D005602:France; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000592:standards* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission