Cleaning routines in operating theatres
Segadal L, Andersen B M, Haugsbo A, Hotvedt R, Jacobsen T, Kristiansen I S, Snorrason F, Sondenaa V G, Haheim L L
Record ID 32004000079
Norwegian
Authors' objectives:
To make a systematic evaluation of the scientific documentation regarding cleaning of operating theatres in terms of washing/disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, and how these routines influences the frequency of postoperative wound infections. The effect of the use of compressed air/gas driven surgical power tools on postoperative wound infections was to be included.
Authors' recommendations:
No certain documentation is found regarding an association of cleaning and postoperative wound infections. The effect of disinfecting the floor has not been demonstrated. A thorough cleaning after the last operation seems reasonable to do. The same applies after septic operations. Ultra violet light used during the operations is proven to reduce postoperative wound infections in a subgroup of clean wounds only.
No relevant literature was found on risk of postoperative wound infections from the use of power tools during surgery or the customary use of rest time between operations.
There are no Norwegian regulations for specific cleaning routines of operating theatres. Our survey assessing routines of daily cleaning of operating theatres at Norwegian hospitals revealed that the units had specific routines and that the routines varied between hospitals and in some instances within a hospital.
The choice of reducing the time spent on cleaning between clean operations given there is no increase in the incidence of postoperative infections, will depend on the balance between additional costs and cost benefit.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.nokc.no/
Year Published:
2003
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Norway
MeSH Terms
- Disinfection
- Infection Control
- Operating Rooms
- Sterilization
- Surgical Wound Infection
Contact
Organisation Name:
Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Contact Address:
Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;
Contact Name:
Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no
Contact Email:
Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no
Copyright:
The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services
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