Types of gowns used in trauma and orthopaedic theatres

Abstract

Trauma and orthopaedic surgeons are at an increased risk of acquiring viral blood-borne infections during elective and especially trauma surgery. The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) published guidelines in 1991 for the prevention of cross-infection between patients and staff. It was recommended that only waterproof gowns be used in orthopaedic and trauma theatres. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance with the BOA recommendations. A telephone survey of 79 hospitals in England shows that only a minority (41 per cent) of hospitals use waterproof gowns exclusively.