RISCHIO DI ESPOSIZIONE ACCIDENTALE A MATERIALI POTENZIALMENTE CONTAMINATI DALL'HIV IN CHIRURGIA

Transmission of bloodborne infection represents a true professional risk for surgeons as well as other members of the operating team. The AIDS epidemic and the growing population of patients who are carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have increased the likelihood that surgeons will be involved in the care of individuals infected with the HIV. In this review, the authors present the results of studies of accidental exposure of surgical personnel to blood, and risk factors for the development of HIV infection in surgeons. Accidental exposure to blood is a frequent event that, nevertheless, can and should be prevented. With the rigorous enforcement of universal precaution policies the goal is to avoid exposure to blood and other body fluids of all patients. Barrier techniques are analyzed, as for example the use of double gloving, in particular circumstances; also reviewed are some new methods and practices, for the purpose of reducing exposures, in which young surgeons should become proficient. HIV infections will certainly bring to a more through application of the well defined standards for infection control in surgical and hospital environments.