Ethical aspects of operating on seropositive patients.

Infection with blood-borne pathogens has long been recognised as an occupational risk for healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly surgeons and anaesthetists whose work often involves breaching the cutaneous or mucosal barrier, exposing them to blood and other body fluids and putting them at risk of acquiring HIV or other blood-borne infections . However, in spite of these risks, systems to protect HCWs are not in place.