Study the Incidence of Surgical Glove Perforation during Surgery and Evaluation for the Risk of Perforation and Risk of Surgical Site Infection

In a surgical setting there is always a possibility of cross infection between patient and surgeon and surgical gloves act as an important barrier to prevent this infection. Use of double gloves provides more effective barrier for transfer of pathogens from surgical team to patient and vice versa. This study compares the benefit of using double gloves versus single gloves in various departments and its role in preventing Surgical Site Infection (SSI). This study was conducted at Army Hospital (R&R) where surgical gloves used by the operating surgeon were checked for any perforation in outer and inner gloves. In case of perforation was detected, culture of both gloves and surgical part were taken and examined for any cross infection. This study reveals that simultaneous perforation rate of both outer and inner gloves was very less and hence chances of cross infection between patient and surgeon was less when compared to single glove use. Also, the rate of perforation was less in laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery however this is controversial as various studies which shows more perforation in laparoscopic surgery. The departments where surgeries were complex and were of longer duration had more perforation rate of gloves and consequently SSI. This study concludes that the use of double surgical gloves has got low chances of cross infection between patient and surgeon and hence low rate of Surgical Site Infection and hence should be encouraged.