UK national survey on surgical gowning for tonsillectomy.

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is a common procedure performed nationally. The personal protective equipment and surgical gowning practices used during this procedure vary widely. We compiled a survey of ENT specialists to gain a national opinion about gowning in tonsillectomy with the aim of determining whether we could make it more environmentally friendly whilst maintaining the highest safety standards. We developed a nine-question survey that was piloted prior to final implementation. The questionnaire was sent to senior registrars and consultant otolaryngologists in the UK. The survey was completed by a total of 63 ENT specialists. It was found that 82.54 per cent of clinicians would consider wearing a reusable gown that would be sterilised between each procedure. Our survey suggests most ENT clinicians would consider using a more environmentally friendly surgical gown and some may even consider wearing no gown at all, although many are understandably concerned about the transmission of infection or blood splatter.