Implementing an Internal Audit: Evaluating Hand Scrub Compliance in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Aseptic protocol adherence and sterilization are the most important factors in a patient's satisfactory recovery after surgery. The standard hand scrubbing procedure helps control infection and keeps the surgical site clean by adhering to aseptic principles. Methods Thirty-six young residents and house officers participated in this prospective audit after ethical clearance was obtained. The World Health Organization (WHO) standard criteria were adhered to both before and after the intervention. Participants were observed in the surgical operation theatre (OT) without prior notice to ensure hand hygiene compliance before surgical procedures. The intervention included a video presentation as well as a live demonstration. Results Only 64.41% (n=23) of residents and house officers followed the recommended standard hand hygiene procedures before the intervention. This percentage rose to 93.92% (n=33) following the intervention, suggesting a noteworthy improvement. Conclusion Significant changes in the acceptance rates for the essential requirements of hand hygiene were observed after the evaluation in the second cycle. Adhering to WHO guidelines for procedures will help reduce the risk of infections and promote awareness of asepsis in practice.

Cyanoacrylate vs. sutures in clean and clean-contaminated surgical wounds - a randomised control study.

Objectives: Various techniques of closure of surgical incisions have been described ranging from various suture materials, staples and tapes to adhesive compounds. Cyanoacrylate is an adhesive compound available for surgical incision closure. Although sutures have been the preferred universal choice for surgical incision closure, glue is gaining popularity in specific places like pediatric injuries, facial injuries, laparoscopic incision closure, etc. This study aimed to compare the results between the application of cyanoacrylate and conventional suturing. Methods: In this randomized control study, patients were divided into two groups of 100 each. The surgical incisions were closed using cyanoacrylate glue in Group A patients and polyamide (EthilonTM 2-0) in Group B patients. Post-operative pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale on the first, third, and seventh day. The wounds were evaluated for complications on post-op days 1, 3, 7, and 30 using the ASEPSIS score. Cosmetic outcome was assessed at the end of first month using the Modified Hollander Cosmesis Scale. Results: Post-operative pain was significantly less in the glue group on days 1, 3, and 7. Wound infection with dehiscence occurred in 4 cases (4 %) in Group A and one patient (1 %) in Group B, which was statistically insignificant. There was no significant difference in cosmetic outcomes in either Group. Conclusions: Cyanoacrylate is a good alternative to sutures in skin closure of clean and clean-contaminated surgical wounds.

Efficacy of Amniotic and Chorionic Membrane in Facial Wound Healing: A Comparative Study.

Background Advancements in regenerative techniques have been utilized in placental amnion and chorion for a variety of purposes. Their ability to regenerate tissues has led to their usage in tissue engineering, wound healing, and other therapeutic applications. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of amnion and chorion in facial tissue wound healing. Methodology  The study was an observational comparative study conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, involving 20 participants divided into two groups (Group I and Group II). Study groups were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A dehydrated human amnion/ chorion membrane was applied to the affected site of each group respectively. Its efficacy in wound healing was analyzed in the first, third, seventh day, and second week. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Patients treated with amnion membrane showed a decrease in wound size and the wound was completely healed by second week with mean scores of wound sizes of 0.00 whereas the wound remained unhealed by second week with mean of 1.70 to those treated with chorion membrane. Conclusion Amnion showed superior efficacy in wound healing at two-week intervals when compared to the chorion. Hence, this could be used in regenerative medicine as a graft to induce healing in facial wounds.

The effect of flipped learning on nursing students' Asepsis knowledge and learning skills: A randomized controlled study.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the flipped learning model on nursing students' asepsis knowledge and learning skills. BACKGROUND: The flipped learning model enables students to pursue their learning with online support whenever and wherever they want. Students have the responsibility for their learning activities. The flipped learning model is an effective method to improve nursing students' knowledge and skills related to the principles of asepsis with online innovative approaches. DESIGN: This study has a pre-test post-test open-label, randomized controlled design. METHOD: The study sample consisted of 107 first-year nursing students randomized into experimental (n = 53) and control (n = 54) groups. The experimental group students were trained utilizing the flipped learning model. The data were collected through the "Descriptive Characteristics Form of Nursing Students ", the "Principles of Asepsis Knowledge Test" and the " Self-directed Learning Skills Scale". RESULTS: It was determined that the post-test knowledge score of the experimental group was statistically significantly higher (p=0.000) than the control group and the median of the retention test knowledge score was statistically significantly higher (p=0.000) than the control group. There was a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the median score of the self-directed learning skills scale "self-control" sub-dimension of the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Flipped learning increased nursing students' knowledge related to the principles of asepsis and enabled them to take responsibility for learning. This model had a positive effect on students' higher order thinking skills such as critical organization and decision making. It is recommended to use the flipped learning within the scope of nursing education and especially in gaining basic skills. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A success in today's education; flipped learning.

Aseptic versus clean technique during wound management? Systematic review with meta-analysis.

The management of wounds by health professionals usually involves aseptic technique. An alternative is the use of clean techniques where the risk of infection is minimised but use of non-sterile materials is considered permissible. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares these two approaches. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall risk of bias was judged to be low. The random-effects relative risk of infection for clean dressings rather than aseptic dressings was 0.86 (95% CI 0.67, 1.12). There was little evidence of statistical heterogeneity, although the small number of infections in either group resulted in wide confidence intervals. The 95% prediction interval for future studies was 0.63, 1.18. There was therefore no evidence showing inferiority of clean techniques compared to aseptic methods. Before clinical studies are undertaken with higher risk procedures, laboratory simulations should explore safety by investigating the potential for pathogen transmission at each stage in the dressing procedure.

Reutilización de barrera de tela de algodón estéril en la práctica clínica: estudio observacional longitudinal / Reusing sterile cotton fabric barriers in the clinical practice: an observational and longitudinal study / Reuso de barreira estéril de tecido de algodão na prática clínica: estudo longitudinal observacional

Objetivo: analizar las características de barrera física y biológica de los campos de algodón utilizados como sistema de barrera estéril después de ser sometidos a múltiples usos y procesos en la práctica clínica. Método: estudio observacional longitudinal de seguimiento y evaluación de tela 100% algodón, utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril en un hospital de mediano porte. Se recolectaron muestras antes del uso (después de tres lavados) y después de tres, seis, nueve, 12 y 15 meses de uso y se evaluaron el número, grosor e integridad de los hilos, peso, absorción de agua y penetración húmeda de microorganismos. Resultados: después de 85 lavados, no cambió el número de hilos, aumentó el número de fibras deshilachadas y el volumen de agua absorbida. La prueba microbiológica mediante la metodología estándar alemana obtuvo un resultado negativo y la de penetración húmeda de microorganismos no mostró cambios significativos con el tiempo, a pesar de que una fracción de células microbianas pasó a través de las muestras de doble capa. Conclusión: las propiedades físicas de la tela 100% algodón utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril cambiaron con el uso/procesamiento; sin embargo, no interfirieron significativamente con los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas realizadas a la barrera microbiológica hasta los 85 lavados.

Objective: to analyze the physical and biological barrier characteristics of cotton fields used as a sterile barrier system after multiple use and processing cycles in the clinical practice. Method: an observational and longitudinal study to monitor and evaluate 100% cotton fabric used as a sterile barrier system in a medium-sized hospital. Samples were collected before use (after three washes) and at three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months of use and evaluated for the number, thickness and integrity of threads, weight, water absorption and wet penetration by microorganisms. Results: after 85 washes, the number of threads remained unchanged, and the shredded fibers and the water volume absorbed were increased. The microbiological test using the German standard methodology obtained a negative result and wet penetration by microorganisms did not show significant changes over time, although a percentage of the microbial cells passed through the double-layer samples. Conclusion: the physical properties of 100% cotton used as a sterile barrier system changed with use/processing cycles; however, these alterations did not significantly interfere with the results obtained by the tests performed on the microbiological barrier up to 85 washes.

Objetivo: analisar as características de barreira física e biológica de campos de algodão, que são utilizados como sistema de barreira estéril, após múltiplos usos e processamentos na prática clínica. Método: estudo longitudinal observacional de acompanhamento e de avaliação de tecido 100% algodão que foi utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril em um hospital de médio porte. Amostras foram coletadas antes do uso (após três lavagens) e com três, seis, nove, 12 e 15 meses de uso e avaliadas quanto ao número, à espessura e à integridade dos fios, peso, absorção de água e penetração úmida de micro-organismos. Resultados: após 85 lavagens, o número de fios permaneceu inalterado, porém aumentaram-se as fibras desfiadas e o volume de água absorvido. O teste microbiológico utilizando metodologia padrão alemão obteve resultado negativo; já o de penetração de úmida de micro-organismos não apresentou mudanças significativas ao longo do tempo, embora uma fração das células microbianas tenham passado pelas amostras de dupla camada. Conclusão: as propriedades físicas do tecido 100% algodão, utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril, alteraram com usos/processamentos; entretanto essas não interferiram significativamente nos resultados obtidos pelos testes realizados na barreira microbiológica até 85 lavagens.

Comparison of Honey & Povidone Iodine dressings in Post-Cesarean Surgical Site Wound Infection Healing.

Objective: To compare the healing of post-cesarean infected wounds by a combination of honey and povidone iodine & povidone-iodine alone dressings using ASEPSIS Score. Method: This prospective randomised cohort study was carried out at at OBGYN Department Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center from 1st August 2022 till 31st December 2022. Patients were randomly allocated into groups A and B. Group-A was dressed with honey povidone-iodine, while Group-B only had povidone-iodine. The ASEPSIS score was calculated in both groups on day fifth, 7th, 9th, and 10th day. Patients were followed till full recovery of the wound. Results: A total of 70 women were included and equally allocated into two groups A & B (35 each). On day five mean ASEPSIS score in Group-A was 36.14 and that in Group- B was 37.74. No significant difference in scores were noted on day five [t (68) = -.753, p = .454] & day seven Group-A 28.63 vs Group-B 32.11 [t (68) = -1.302, p = .197]. Significant improvements in ASEPSIS scores were noted on days ninth & tenth. On day nine ASEPSIS score of Group-A was 21.54 and that of Group-B was 27.14 [t (68) = -2.056, p = .044]. On day tenth the mean ASEPSIS score of Group-A was 18.26, while that of Group-B was 23.86 [t (68) = -2.021, p = .047]. The mean time required for the wound to heal in Group-A and Group-B was eighteen & twenty-one days respectively. Conclusion: Significant improvements in ASEPSIS score occurred with the use of honey with povidone-iodine combination.

Impact of a training strategy on improving compliance of hand hygiene and gloving during the placement of a short peripheral venous catheter: the multicentre study CleanHand4.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have short peripheral venous catheters (PVC) face an elevated risk of developing bloodstream infections. Preventing catheter-related infections relies on implementing multiple measures, including practicing proper hand hygiene (HH) during catheter placement. METHODS: We conducted a four-part study: (1) an evaluation of HH practices through direct observation of PVC placements, coupled with the study of the microbial flora of the HCWs fingers just before the placement; (2) the development of an educational tool based on the collected observational and microbiological data; (3) the training to the HCWs observed during the first part, using this tool; and (4) the subsequent observation of the trained HCWs to measure the impact of the training on practice improvement. RESULTS: Compliant HH was observed in 23.5% of the 647 HCWs observed during PVC placement before training. The microbiological study revealed fewer pathogens on the fingertips of the HCWs practicing compliant HH compared other HCWs (2.6 vs 11,7%; p = 0.003). The comparison of practices before and after training, assessed among 180 HCWs, showed an increase in the proportion of HCWs performing compliant HH (25.0 vs 63.2%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Training HCWs using our educational tool, which combines reminders of best practices and risk factors associated with PVC-related infections, engaging HCWs (presentation of practice evaluation), identifying professionals deviating from best practices (simulation videos), and objectively assessing fingertip contamination (microbiological study), significantly improved compliance with HH gestures and glove usage. We encourage infection control teams to utilize this tool to raise awareness among HCWs responsible for PVC placement about the risk of infection associated inadequate hand hygiene.

[Assessment of the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the dental practice in Rabat]. / Évaluation de la prévention des infections associées aux soins dans des cabinets dentaires à Rabat.

Introduction: in dentistry, many treatments are invasive and can lead to infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the dental practice in Rabat. Methods: a survey on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in Rabat dental practices was conducted among 324 practitioners. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their training, hygiene, protection, organization of premises, asepsis, antisepsis and use of medical devices. Data were collected using JAMOVI version 1.8.4, the χ2 and Fisher tests were used to compare the variables, the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: only 80 subjects took part in the study. All the dentists had protective equipment, but 68 (85%) did not have instructions on what to do in case of accidental exposure to blood; 41 (62.1%) operators had qualified assistants, 36.4% had a team vaccinated against hepatitis B and 61.3% of operators and assistants had been trained to handle reusable medical devices. Seventy-six studies had isolated examination rooms, 41 had a steam steriliser and a sorting area with sharps collector. However, 35.1% had a contract for the collection of waste generated by health-care activities, posing a significant risk of infection. Conclusion: the results of this study show that most practitioners in Rabat comply with the majority of the aseptic and hygienic standards in dentistry. However, more needs to be done to ensure that staff are vaccinated.

Inter-rater agreement of CDC criteria and ASEPSIS score in assessing surgical site infections after cesarean section: a prospective observational study.

Objective: To assess and compare the inter-rater agreement of the CDC criteria and the ASEPSIS score in identifying surgical site infections after cesarean section. Methods: Prospective observational study including 110 patients subjected to a cesarean section at our institution. Surgical wounds were managed according to standard care and were photographed on the third, seventh, and thirtieth postoperative day or during any evaluation in case of complications. Three expert surgeons reviewed the prospectively gathered data and photographs and classified each wound using CDC criteria and the ASEPSIS score. The inter-rater agreements of CDC criteria and ASEPSIS score were determined with Krippendorff's Alpha with linear weights and compared with a confidence interval approach. Results: The weighted α coefficient for CDC criteria was 0.587 (95%CI, 0.411-0.763, p < 0.001, "moderate" agreement according to Altman's interpretation of weighted agreement coefficient), while the weighted α coefficient for the ASEPSIS score was 0.856 (95%CI, 0.733-0.980, p < 0.001, "very good" agreement). Conclusion: ASEPSIS score presents a "very good" inter-rater agreement for surgical site infections identification after cesarean, resulting in a more objective method than CDC criteria ("moderate" inter-rater agreement). ASEPSIS score could represent an objective tool for managing and monitoring surgical site infections after cesarean section, also by photographic evaluation.

Endodontic operative field asepsis: a comparison between general dentists and specialists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the establishment of an aseptic endodontic operative field in general dentistry by assessing general dentists' ability to reduce the amount of contamination to a non-cultivable level, and to compare the operative field asepsis at a general dentistry clinic with that at an endodontic specialist clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 353 teeth were included in the study (153 in general dentistry, 200 at the specialist clinic). After isolation, control samples were taken, the operative fields disinfected with 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 min) followed by 5% iodine tincture or .5% chlorhexidine solution. Samples were collected from the access cavity area and buccal area, placed in a fluid thioglycolate medium, incubated (37°, 7 d), evaluated for growth/non-growth. RESULTS: Significantly more contamination was observed at the general dentistry clinic (31.6%, 95/301), than at the endodontic specialist clinic (7.0%, 27/386) (p <.001). In general dentistry, significantly more positive samples were collected in the buccal area than in the occlusal area. Significantly more positive samples were collected when the chlorhexidine protocol had been used, both in general dentistry (p <.001) and at the specialist clinic (p =.028). CONCLUSIONS: The result from this study shows insufficient endodontic aseptic control in general dentistry. At the specialist clinic, both disinfection protocols were able to reduce the amount of microorganisms to a non-cultivable level. The observed difference between the protocols may not reflect a true difference in the effectiveness of the antimicrobial solutions, as confounding factors may have contributed to the result.

What techniques are recommended to undertake procedures that require asepsis? Content and cluster analysis of information supplied in international guidance.

BACKGROUND: Health professionals frequently conduct procedures requiring asepsis but there is no definitive evidence-based guidance on how aseptic technique should be undertaken. OBJECTIVE: To undertake content and cluster analysis to compare and contrast information relating to the conduct of aseptic technique in national and international guidance. METHODS: Content and hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: We identified 16 sources of information from: organizations that generate infection prevention guidelines, provide advice about infection prevention in addition to other topics, generate guidance for procedures (e.g., wound care); practice manuals; MeSH and Wikipedia. Content related to: theory underpinning aseptic technique; terminology used; how and when it should be undertaken; and equipment. The nature and amount of information varied widely. Most frequently stated information related to: environment or equipment (N = 13), followed by the absolute nature of asepsis and the importance of hand hygiene (N = 10); general personal protective equipment, the significance of pathogens, and no-touch techniques (N = 8); that it is risk-based (N = 7); the existence of key parts or sites, and that there are different types of aseptic technique (N = 6). The most comprehensive sources were a wound care organization in the USA, and a British internationally used textbook. Least information was provided in some general infection prevention guidelines. CONCLUSION: Progress with research and practice in relation to aseptic technique suffers through lack of common goals and understanding. This study is one step towards establishing what constitutes aseptic technique, how and when it should be conducted, and the equipment necessary. This is required to support practice, policy and education, and may improve sustainability of healthcare resources.

Challenges undertaking procedures requiring asepsis: a qualitative interview study with nurses.

BACKGROUND: Invasive devices and breaches to skin and mucous membranes increase susceptibility to infection. Nurses frequently undertake procedures requiring asepsis (PRAs), but report challenges and unwarranted variations in practice. OBJECTIVE: To explore nurses' experiences, perceived gaps in information and support needed to conduct PRAs. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 nurses in the UK National Health Service between September 2021 and January 2022 employing approaches to sampling and data collection adopted in grounded theory. RESULTS: Informants were employed in diverse clinical settings. They thought that outside operating theatres, attempts to maintain asepsis would inevitably be compromised, but that much could still be done to contain the risk of contaminating susceptible sites irrespective of circumstances. Suboptimal practice was reported, and informants were unclear whether asepsis was needed to perform routine procedures (e.g. dressing chronic wounds, manipulating indwelling intravascular lines). Problems were attributed to inadequacies in nursing education, poor access to continuing professional development, and carelessness of junior nurses and medical staff. Informants wanted more detailed guidelines to conduct PRAs. Senior nurses wanted procedures to be conducted in the same way regardless of circumstance. Nurses who undertook PRAs regularly suggested that guidelines should be flexible. CONCLUSION: There is a need for detailed guidelines to inform PRAs, better access to clinical updating, and improvements in pre-registration nursing education. To meet contemporary standards, guideline generation should adopt recognized methodology. Student nurses should be introduced to the knowledge and skills required to undertake and adjust PRAs according to circumstance during simulated practice before contact with real patients.

The Revolutionary Gustav Adolf Neuber: A Tribute to the Father of Aseptic Surgery.

Gustav Adolf Neuber was a celebrated multifaceted German surgeon, who significantly contributed to the establishment of modern surgical Antisepsis techniques as well as the modification and questioning of the use of wound drainage systems. In addition, he reformed architectural and structural concepts regrading operating rooms. In the field of plastic surgery, Gustav Adolf Neuber established a procedure for autologous fat-grafting. The lack and inadequacy of literature sources regarding Neuber´s contribution to common surgical practices and antisepsis vastly disregards the importance of his work. Aim of the current work is not only to restore his reputation as the Father of Antisepsis and autologous fat-grafting but also to make amends for the lack of relevant sources in the current literature. To the best of our knowledge there is no concrete and adequate biographical work regarding G.A. Neuber´s immense contribution in the outstanding English literature. References can only be found in writings or speeches of German Surgeons originating in the mid of the 20th century. The current work is mainly based on the opening speech delivered by Professor Dr Konjentzny (1880-1957) in a sitting ceremony of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft der Chirurgie" on the first of June in 1950 which was dedicated to commemorating Neuber as a tribute for his 100th Birthday and a historical article entitled: "Neuber und die Asepsis".

Prospective evaluation of the prevalence of conjunctival and intraocular bacteria in dogs undergoing phacoemulsification following a standardized aseptic preparation with 0.5% povidone iodine.

PURPOSE: To evaluate bacterial contamination of conjunctiva and aqueous humor in dogs undergoing phacoemulsification following asepsis with 0.5% povidone iodine and determine the influence of intravenous antibiotics on outcome of contamination. METHODS: Client-owned dogs were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group, receiving 22 mg/kg intravenous cefazolin at induction prior to sampling, or experimental group receiving no antibiotic prior to sampling, masked to the surgeon. Dogs receiving antimicrobials in the pre-operative period were excluded. Asepsis was performed on all operated eyes using 0.5% iodine with minimum 3 min contact time at induction of anesthesia and repeated before surgery. A conjunctival swab and aqueous humor sample were collected prior to incision and following incision closure, respectively. Samples were submitted for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture and susceptibility. RESULTS: Seventy-one eyes of 42 dogs were included. Median age was 9 years. Thirty-nine and 32/71 eyes received intravenous cefazolin and no antibiotic, respectively. Median procedure time was 40 min per eye. Conjunctival cultures were positive in 6 eyes (8.5%): Serratia marcescens (5 eyes) and Cutibacterium acnes (1 eye). Aqueous humor cultures were positive in 5 eyes (7.0%): S. marcescens (2 eyes), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2 eyes), Staphylococcus pseudointermedius (1 eye). Prevalence of positive culture did not differ between groups (p = .74), order of eyes for bilateral procedures (p = .74) and diabetic status (p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial contamination of the conjunctiva and aqueous humor was present in 8.5% and 7.0% of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification after asepsis. Lack of IV cefazolin was not significantly associated with positive culture.

Surgical site infections in patients undergoing breast oncological surgery during the lockdown: An unexpected lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The present study aims to evaluate how the measures to contain the SARS-CoV-2 spreading affected the surgical site infections (SSIs) rate in patients who underwent nondeferrable breast cancer surgery (BCS). Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients underwent nondeferrable BCS in a regional Italian Covid-free hub during two different period: March to April 2020 (pandemic cohort [PC]) and March till April 2019 (control cohort [CC]). SSIs were defined according to the criteria established by the Center for disease control and prevention (CDC) and additional treatment, serous discharge, erythema, purulent exudate, separation of deep tissues, isolation of bacteria, and stay (ASEPSIS) scoring systems. Results: One hundred ninety-nine patients were included in the present study: 100 and 99 patients who underwent nondeferrable BCS from March to April 2020 (PC) and from March to April 2019 (CC), respectively. The overall SSIs rate in this series was 9.1% according to CDC criteria and 6.5% according to ASEPSIS criteria. The SSIs incidence decreased during the pandemic period. Moreover, the SSIs rate according to ASEPSIS criteria was statistically lower in the PC than in the CC. We observed significant evidence of higher SSIs, both in terms of CDC and ASEPSIS score, in patients having undergone breast reconstruction compared with patients not undergoing immediate reconstruction. Conclusions: The restrictive measures issued during the lockdown period seemed to lower the SSIs rates in patients undergoing nondeferrable BCS.

The strange history of surgical gloves in orthopaedic surgery (part I): from no gloves and no hand washing to the introduction of cotton gloves in orthopaedic surgery.

PURPOSE: The goal was to evaluate the advent of surgical gloves during the eighteenth century, nineteenth century, and the beginning of the twentieth century. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used first drawings and paintings, then historical photographs identified in books after 1830 (date of discovery of the photography) or in medical reports of surgery and anesthesiologists. The pictures determined the presence or absence of gloves in the period corresponding to the changing understanding of aseptic and antiseptic techniques proposed by Lister and Pasteur. RESULTS: There was an evolution of the material of gloves, but surgeons throughout time remained significantly opposed to gloves for a long period. Concerning materials, the caecum of a sheep, cotton, silk, leather, and crude rubber were used before the introduction of latex by Goodyear. For surgeons, gloves were introduced initially to protect theatre staff's and surgeon hands from infection and not to protect the patient. Many surgeons contributed to the evolution of surgical gloves, and the use of gloves was an evolutionary process rather than a discovery. The probability that a surgeon had gloves on photographs was 0% in 1860-1870 (period of Lister and Pasteur), 5% in 1890, 28% in 1900, 42% in 1910, 48% in 1920, 58% in 1930, and 75% during the World Word II and reached 100% only in 1950. CONCLUSION: While some reports suggest that by 1920, the use of gloves in surgery became routine practice, in reality, around 30% of trauma surgeons were not wearing gloves until 1939.

Factores que intervienen en la aparición de infecciones en heridas quirúrgicas de pacientes intervenidos en el hospital general milagro en el periodo de agosto 2020 a enero 2021 / Factors intervening in the appearance of infections in surgical wounds of patients operated at the milagro general hospital in the period from august 2020 to january 2021

El Ecuador mantiene una alta tasa de mortalidad derivada de las infecciones de heridas quirúrgicas, las post cesárea son las que se presentan comúnmente, donde las bacterias cada vez evolucionan mecanismos de resistencia a los antibióticos. Objetivo: analizar los factores que intervienen en la aparición de infección en herida quirúrgica. Materiales y Métodos: investigación tipo inductivo-deductiva al analizar variables cuantitativas; y la aplicación del razonamiento, con el que se obtuvieron generalizaciones del tema en estudio Resultados: Sexo el 35 % Mujeres y el 65% Varones, el 25 % tienen edad de 15 a 40 años, el 45 % tienen de 41 a 60 años, y el 30 % tienen de 61 años y más. Con respecto al nivel de educación, 50 % no tiene educación, 25% primaria, 15% secundaria y 10% superior, según la residencia el 75% vive en zona rural y 25 % en zona urbana. La mayoría de los procedimientos quirúrgicos involucrados en la complicación de infecciones de la herida fueron de emergencia en un 93,3%; mientras que las que se presentaron en electivas respondieron al 6,7%. Se observó que el 80% de las cirugías realizadas son clasificadas como cirugías limpias contaminadas, y un 20% cirugías contaminadas. Las mismas que tiene un alto riesgo de infectarse el SQ. Conclusiones: A pesar de que las acciones preventivas de preparación de piel y asepsia ­ antisepsia previa al acto quirúrgico se cumplen, las infecciones de la herida quirúrgica se siguen dando en una parte de pacientes intervenidos en el Hospital General Milagro(AU)

Ecuador maintains a high mortality rate derived from surgical wound infections, post-cesarean sections are the ones that commonly occur, where bacteria increasingly evolve mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics. Objective: to analyze the factors that intervene in the appearance of infection in surgical wounds. Materials and Methods: inductive-deductive type research when analyzing quantitative variables; and the application of reasoning, with which generalizations of the subject under study were obtained Results: Sex 35% Women and 65% Men, 25% are between 15 and 40 years old, 45% are between 41 and 60 years old, and 30% are 61 and older. Regarding the level of education, 50% have no education, 25% primary, 15% secondary and 10% higher, according to residence, 75% live in rural areas and 25% in urban areas. Most of the surgical procedures involved in the complication of wound infections were emergency in 93.3%; while those who attended electives responded to 6.7%. It was observed that 80% of the surgeries performed are classified as clean contaminated surgeries, and 20% contaminated surgeries. The same ones that have a high risk of becoming infected with SQ. Conclusions: Although the preventive actions of skin preparation and asepsis - antisepsis prior to the surgical act are fulfilled, infections of the surgical wound continue to occur in a part of patients operated on at the Hospital General Milagro(AU)

Doctor I Have an Iodine Allergy.

Ophthalmologists frequently face patients who refuse asepsis protocols involving povidone-iodine (PI) due to claims of an allergy to iodine. Such patients usually base this claim on previous reactions to shellfish consumption or to imaging procedures that used iodine-based contrast agents. Allergy to iodine, however, is biologically impossible, and iodine deficiency causes severe developmental problems, including mental retardation. Furthermore, shellfish allergy is due to tropomyosins in muscle tissue, and reactions to intravascular contrast dyes are due to hyperosmolar solutions; neither "allergy" is due to iodine. PI, which contains 9-12% iodine, is the preferred antiseptic for ophthalmic procedures. Experience shows that PI can be administered safely to patients claiming iodine allergy. True allergy to PI is rare and, if indicated, skin patch testing can be performed prior to surgery. Patients who react adversely to highly concentrated (5-10%) PI usually experience toxicity to the corneal and conjunctival epithelium after topical administration. Dilute (0.1-0.25%) PI kills microbes quicker than higher concentrations but for shorter periods of time because the total dose of iodine is smaller. Repeated administration (every 20-30 s) of dilute PI effectively kills microbes for as long as necessary with little risk of epithelial toxicity.