Effectiveness of laminar versus turbulent airflow in operating theaters, with regard to risk for postoperative surgical infections

Houltz E, Erichsen-Andersson A, Björkander E, Grant P, Gustén J, Malchau H, Jivegård L, Liljegren A, Moonen J, Petzold M, Svanberg T, Svensson M, Sjövall H
Record ID 32018011335
English
Authors' objectives: Is the use of laminar airflow systems, compared with other types of ventilation system in operating rooms,cassociated with a reduction of the risk for mortality, serious surgical site infections (sSSI), other surgical site infections (SSI) and concentration of CFUs in air sampled from the operation area?
Authors' results and conclusions: Vertical laminar airflow compared with other types of ventilation system in operating rooms may not be associated with a reduction of serious surgical site infections in orthopedic implant or non-implant surgery or in GI/vascular/mixed surgery. In fact, for some comparisons a statistically significant increased risk was found, although the absolute differences were small. The certainty of evidence was low (GRADE ⊕⊕). It is uncertain whether vertical laminar airflow compared with other types of ventilation system in operating rooms is associated with changes in mortality or surgical site infections in orthopedic implant, non-implant surgery or GI/vascular/mixed surgery. The certainty of evidence was very low (GRADE ⊕). Vertical laminar airflow, compared with other types of ventilation system in operating rooms, is probably associated with a reduction of CFU concentration in air sampled near the operating field. The certainty of evidence was moderate (GRADE ⊕⊕⊕).
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2020
URL for published report: https://mellanarkiv-offentlig.vgregion.se/alfresco/s/archive/stream/public/v1/source/available/sofia/su4372-1728378332-386/native/2020_114%20HTA-rapport%20Lamin%c3%a4rfl%c3%b6desventilationsrapport%20reviderad.pdf
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Full HTA
MeSH Terms
  • Operating Rooms
  • Ventilation
  • Environment, Controlled
  • Surgical Wound Infection
Keywords
  • Laminar airflow
  • Surgical site infection
Contact
Organisation Name: The Regional Health Technology Assessment Centre
Contact Address: The Regional Health Technology Assessment Centre, Region Vastra Gotaland, HTA-centrum, Roda Straket 8, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, 413 45 GOTHENBORG, Sweden
Contact Name: hta-centrum@vgregion.se
Contact Email: hta-centrum@vgregion.se
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