Simplified disposable abdominal and vulvar drapes for cesarean section in maternal HIV-1 infection

Abstract

This paper presents the simplified disposable abdominal and vulvar drape technique for the prevention of surgical soiling during elective cesarean section in cases of maternal HIV-1 infection. The abdominal drape consists of: 1) an ordinary polyethylene plastic bag; 2) transparent polyethylene acrylate glued sticker with paper backing which is mounted on the other surface of the plastic bag; and 3) two pieces of water-repellant nonwoven cloths attached to the upper and lower ends of the plastic bag. An ordinary polyethylene plastic bag with its anterior portion cut off in a V-shape makes up the disposable vulvar drape. Two ovoid-shaped apertures are made along the borders of the V-shaped plastic edges. The abdominal and vulvar drapes are placed on the patients. A large rectangular pouch with sustainable upright barriers covers the operative area to collect potentially contaminated fluid and thus prevents surgical soiling during an elective cesarean operation. From March through September 1999 this new technique was performed on 17 patients aged 18-36 years with HIV-1 infection. Postoperatively the prepped abdominal surface surrounding the incision site caused no allergic reaction and there was no febrile morbidity. In conclusion the hospital-made simplified disposable abdominal and vulvar drapes provide efficient collection and disposal of amniotic fluid and blood via abdominal incision and vaginal canal thereby reducing the risk of exposure to the surgeons.