Glove perforations during obstetrical and gynaecological

ABSTRACT

Glove perforation during surgery places the surgeon at risk of acquiring infectious diseases from contamination of serum of the patient. This prospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of perforations, to know their topographical distribution and to identify factors associated with increased likelihood of perforations. Initial leak rate was 17.5% and 32.5% for new and recycled gloves respectively. Out of 200 pairs of gloves tested, perforation rate was 38.95% for new and 54.29% for recycled gloves. A significantly low rate of perforation [28.57%] was present in vaginal obstetrical procedures [episiotomies] compared to 62.07% for those performed by abdominal route [LSCS]. Status of the operating surgeon was not related to number of glove perforations. Needle pricks were responsible for 53.19% perforations. In 62.77% cases perforation involved left hand glove. Most of the perforations were seen on index finger [34.78%], middle ringer [27.54%] and thumb [22.46%]. The perforation rate was increased with increase in operating time. A case is made for promotion of no touch surgical techniques during surgery and close monitoring of the quality of gloves by the government