StopSurgicalInfections.org recently submitted a press release regarding a review article published by Journal of Hospital Infection. The press release is as follows:
Surgical-infection experts have unambiguously concluded that forced-air warming “...does contaminate ultra-clean air ventilation….” in the operating room. Their advice: Use air-free warming during implant surgery.
The authors, including surgeon D.L. Leaper, chair of the committee that drafted the UK’s surgical-site infection guidelines, summarized the findings of 10 peer-reviewed, published studies regarding the infection risks of forced-air warming. Their conclusions:
- No studies have shown that forced-air warming (“FAW”) reduces surgical infections—other than in colorectal surgery.
- In implant surgery, even minor contamination of the operative field can be catastrophic.
- FAW devices contaminate the operative field.
