title: Stapled double head and neck drape for otological procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During otologic surgical procedures, there is often a dilemma when ensuring that hair is kept out of the surgical field. For a surgeon, the simplest and commonest technique is to liberally shave the head, but this can cause aesthetic concerns for the patient. Failure to keep the area hair-free can lead to a range of adverse surgical outcomes including wound infection and poor scar cosmesis. We describe a technique used in our department to effectively control hair during otologic surgical procedures, with no post-operative aesthetic concerns.
  
  
  METHODS
  The use of re-usable or disposable surgical drapes with disposable skin staples can effectively exclude hair from the operative field throughout the procedure, without fear of the drapes slipping or losing adhesiveness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors have obtained good results both during and after surgery, using this quick and easily learnt method, with no cases of long-term skin damage or scarring.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We find this to be an effective method of hair and skin preparation for otologic surgical procedures, and suggest it to fellow otorhinolaryngologists as a helpful alternative technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rutka
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Das
mesh_terms: D006197:Hair; D006801:Humans; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D058636:Surgical Drapes; D017792:Surgical Stapling